This little light of mine

Readings for Thursday January 28, 2010

Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor of the Church

First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 132
Gospel: Mark 4:21-24


Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” (Mk 4:21-23)

This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

Most of us are familiar with the above song, "this little light of mine." While it is predominantly a children's song, I think that its message holds great meaning for both kids and adults alike. We are all called to let the light of Christ shine through us. In the gospel today, Jesus tells the parable of the lamp, and asks if would it make sense to place a lamp underneath a basket. The answer is of course not, and it is this message that we ought to hear. It is obvious that the writer of "this little light of mine" was inspired by this scripture passage. The writer realized that it makes no sense to hide the light of Christ that is in each of us, we must place it in the open and "let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!"

Today we remember one of the great doctors of the Church, Thomas Aquinas. This is a man who never failed to let his love of God shine forth to all. In fact, Thomas realized the gift of his own mind and wrote many things about God that helped to illuminate people's understanding of the Lord. We could all do well to take a lesson from Saint Thomas Aquinas and to use the gifts and abilities that God has given each of us to spread the hope of Christ in this world.

Today, reflect on what ways you can spread the light of Christ into a world that has many dark spots and so desperately needs it. May God bless you as you let your light shine!

Saint Thomas Aquinas, pray for us!

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we thank you for all that you give and bless us with. Lord, help increase our faith, so that we can go and spread the faith in this world. Lord, we pray that we always have the courage to let our lights shine in this world and to never hold back from serving you. Lord, we pray for all of those in need of conversion, all of those in the dark. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.