A  spiritual writer wrote a beautiful description of St. Bede the Venerable, today’s Saint : “Bede was a human candle of the Church…lit by the light of the Holy Spirit.” What a great image: a “human candle,” whose light draws others to the God of  Light. Every act of compassion, justice and mercy is like a light shining in the darkness of loneliness and sadness. 

Wherever you are, see yourself as a human candle, being a “light” for others. The light of the Holy Spirit shines within your heart, which is  where God dwells. Let others see that “light” through your words and actions. To borrow words from Jesus, don’t light the candle only to put a bushel basket over it, which only extinguishes the light. Let your light shine for all to see. Let’s stop living under a bushel basket: it’s hot and doesn’t smell very well. 

Peace. Fr. Frank