“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle” (St. Francis of Assisi).

The Parable of the Lamp

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16).

Impossibly, it’s the end of my summer, although the calendar says we have a little more than 30 days left.

Working on a college campus, the rhythms of seasons start and end with the arrival of students, and as I write this article, we are a mere two days away from the start of a new semester.

I love the calm of campus in the summer—wide open quads, short lines at the food court, and a plethora of parking spaces. All will soon come to an end.

The students bring contagious energy and excitement with them. As much as I lament the end of the summer break, I feel ready for the fall and all that it will bring. I work closely with students, as a group and individually, which is a job I do not take lightly. I am a face of the university, an authority figure, and—most importantly—the light of Jesus to them.

According to the words Jesus spoke to the people right after sharing the Sermon on the Mount, we are the light to the world. What does that mean in our everyday life?

A Very Human Light

I am aware of my failing at this directive from Our Lord. I am impatient and quick with a scowl or a groan in a meeting when I'm frustrated. I am, unfortunately, often the dark, the petulant, and the blanket covering the lamp.

I am human. If you are reading this article, you are also probably human. We will be impatient, surly, and not nice sometimes to our families, co-workers, and the people we serve. I know my demeanor takes a hit when I feel rushed or overwhelmed. I’m less gracious to others.

So, how can we overcome these failings?

A Reflection

I’ve carved out 20 to 30 minutes each morning to give to God for almost four years. I pray, I write, and I listen to Scripture. Beginning and anchoring my day with God reminds me of who I am—a child of His—and that it is my calling to bring Him with me into the rest of the day.

I read a reflection years ago about this same topic. In that article, the author said that we are the moon to God’s sun. We have no light of our own; we are the reflection of his light. These words have stayed with me. We can only reflect what we are filled with internally.

My prayer after Communion has lately been a simple one: “Less of me, Lord. More of you.” I repeat this prayer over and over. It is the cry of my heart to be less of a sinner and more like Jesus every minute of every day.

I’ll remember these words when the students flood into campus in a few days. I will be welcoming and encouraging, walking with them during their short two years on our campus. I hope to be a light to them—God’s light.

Thank you, Jesus, for giving us this instruction. Help us remember that we must first be filled with Your love and light, and then let us go out and shine so bright.

Cathi Kennedy is passionate about building relationships. At the University of Notre Dame, she advises graduate students for the Mendoza College of Business. Her background is in marketing and communications, and she recently received her MBA. Impassioned writer, voracious reader, aspiring knitter. Married to a musician and mom to two amazing sons. Cathi is a convert to Catholicism and seeks to learn something new about her faith every day. Connect with Cathi: LinkedIn • Instagram • Facebook • Blog