As Christians, we are called to reflect the light of Christ in the world around us. How many of us, in order to not make waves in society, instead put our light under the “bushel basket?”

In the past few months, light reflections have been something I’ve noticed on a daily basis. After my cat Vera passed last spring, I adopted a female cat, Victoria, and then about two months later a male kitten, Marley. Everything is new to Marley and his most recent discovery is light reflections, be that from a car door that opens in the parking area outside the house, or when my phone reflects the light from a nearby lamp. It’s cute until he tries jumping up the wall trying to capture it. While Victoria seems to watch with a bit of disdain for a useless cause, I admire his persistence and his focus. I’m starting to wonder if I have those same qualities when it comes to living my faith. He can sit and watch the wall for an hour, chatting as if to encourage the return of whatever caused the light beam to show itself. Do I make use of the opportunities to grow in my faith, to spend time in silent prayer with an open heart ready to receive God’s guidance for me? 

In Marley’s youthful inexperience, he allows his focus on the light beam to direct his moves, even when there could be negative consequences. I’ve started avoiding using my phone at night, as that seems to cast the reflected light on the ceiling, and Marley is trying to figure out the best way to reach it. While the cat tree is tensioned to the ceiling, it’s thankfully not in the area where the light is reflected. Yet Marley climbs to the top of the tension pole to the ceiling as if getting to the same height will allow him to capture his prize. Do I put my focus on Jesus to lead the way? Or do I look at what’s going on in my surroundings and doubt what can be achieved? God created us with a soul for faith and a mind for reason, and we should be using both equally to do God’s will. 

Marley has also noticed when shadows disrupt light. These too he has gone after, trying to capture the dark spot on the wall. How often are we tempted to chase the shadows? They are a curiosity and we often try to capture them not because we want them, but because they are different and we want to know more about them. But shadows are not from God and will lead us away from our purpose. While it’s important to notice the shadows in our lives, it’s best to seek God’s counsel as to how to address them so they will not be a temptation for us. 

Our modern society allows us to illuminate night as if it were daytime. Artificial light can be a blessing, especially on short, winter days. Yet there are many artificial lights that compete for our attention, so that we forget our relationship with Jesus and pursue lights that dazzle our eyes and quickly fade. They leave us empty and searching for peace. Jesus is the Light of the world and His Word is a lamp for our feet. When we seek to follow Him, He will guide our steps, even when the way gets rough and challenging.

Next week begins the Lenten season. Perhaps a practice for this year could be to seek out opportunities to let Christ’s light shine through your life.