A City on a Hill
“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).
As Catholics, the past couple of months have been filled with wonder and awe as we watched a new pope, Pope Leo XIV, elected to the papacy and begin his leadership of the Catholic Church.
My family and I had the amazing opportunity to be in Rome during the Conclave and for the election of Pope Leo XIV. By God’s grace, our previously scheduled trip to visit extended family living in Italy coincided with this exciting, once-in-a-lifetime, historical event.
During this visit, we, along with Catholics across the world, felt our hearts burning with zeal and joy as we witnessed the first American pope elected to the papacy. Not only were we excited for the Midwestern pope shepherding the Catholic Church, but we also felt so much excitement for the resurgence of Catholicism in the United States and across the world that we hope to continue to witness throughout Pope Leo’s papacy.
Hearts on Fire
Rome was filled with joy during our few days in the city. People crowded the streets at every turn, and St. Peter’s Square was brimming with hopeful spectators, awaiting the smoke signal and emergence of our new shepherd. Everyone was excited, regardless of race or creed, to know who this next prominent world leader might be.
It reminded me of the Eucharistic Congress that we were blessed to have in our home city last year: people everywhere, celebrating God’s love together, and rejoicing as one family – united through the Eucharist. Everyone was kind and loving toward one another, celebrating this exciting historical moment. As the white smoke erupted from the chimney, the bells rang throughout Rome, sirens wailed in the busy streets, and people cheered and hugged one another celebrating the new pope.
I felt hopeful for the future state of our Church. Our Church is alive and filled with the Spirit to answer the call to return to Christ, not only in the Eucharist, but in all facets of our lives. America, along with the whole world, is searching for something deeper, and the energy surrounding the Conclave and the early days of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy is testament to that.
So many people throughout the world tuned in to learn more about, not only the papacy, but our Catholic faith as a whole. Americans specifically celebrated the Chicago-raised pope with fervent hearts. There is so much to celebrate and hope for as our country’s hearts turn to the Lord.
A City on a Hill
I truly believe that we are currently in a beautiful and unprecedented time in history. If your heart is ablaze with hope and zeal, use this joy to spread the Good News to the ends of the earth. Share the message of Christ with those you love and with those who need to hear His hopeful words.
We are the light of the world. Our neighbors, relatives, friends, and coworkers are yearning to see our light and hear our stories. Our witness to those around us, and not being ashamed of our faith or the zeal Christ has put on our hearts, can bring so many more people to the Church and to God’s grace. The excitement the Conclave brought to the world shows that our world is hurting and searching for a deeper connection to Christ and to one another. Allow your heart to be that “city on a hill,” sharing your light with those around you. People you know, and even people you don’t know, can grow and change with your witness.
As Catholic women in business, we are called to bring our faith into the workforce. Even in small ways, shining your light in the office, on the road, and in the boardroom allows you to change the hearts of others. Glorify the Lord each day through your actions and words, helping your neighbor, sacrificing for your family, and offering up your suffering for loved ones.
The Lord needs you and your heart. How can you be a part of this exciting moment in history?
Marisa McDonald is a wife and mother living in Central Indiana. She has previously worked for various nonprofit spaces in fundraising, development, and strategy and is actively involved on boards within her community. A creative homemaker, Marisa is making the most of each day cherishing loved ones.