Chosen Lights

In St. Faustina's Diary (Notebook VI, #1601) Jesus tells her that "Chosen souls are, in My Hand, lights which I cast into the darkness of the world and with which I illuminate it. As stars illumine the night, so chosen souls illumine the earth. And the more perfect the soul is, the stronger and more far reaching is the light shed by it. It can be hidden and unknown, even to those closest to it, and yet its holiness is reflected in souls even to the most distant extremities of the world."

How are we lights for others? Are there times when we might feel that the very people we hope to influence are not stirred? I think Jesus is trying to tell us that we need to worry less about who we are trying to lead to holiness and let Him work through us, thus influencing people we may not even know. We must trust that Jesus loves each of us immeasurably and loves those in our circle of friends and family more than we can love ourselves. Trust in Him. His greatest desire is that all will come to know Him. It is our vocation as disciples to love. When we perfect love ourselves, through and with His Divine Mercy and assistance, we will be that beacon of light which leads others to Him.

As we look forward to the New Year, let us pray to be one of His chosen lights. As we reflect on how we can learn to love as Jesus loves--let us pray for the strength and courage to be a light for those living in darkness. To do that though, we must be willing to allow Jesus to work in us. How can we open our hearts to His Love more perfectly so that we may be reflections of His Love? Jesus, come into our hearts and allow the flame of your love to burn brightly within us!