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In this Sunday's gospel, Jesus declares “Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father."
In our culture, we are conditioned to associate the word shine with fame. It’s easy to imagine a social media following, athletic accomplishments, 4.0 gpas, newspaper headlines, and artistic achievement because they represent the predominant narrative of what it means to be successful in our culture. For the record: these are all good things, of course.
But I think it’s worth considering: when does your light really shine the most? When do you truly glorify God with your actions?
I recently heard a story of students that lit a fire in my heart - upon hearing from a friend who suddenly found herself in a dangerous situation, they dropped everything to drive way out of their way in the middle of the night to be there by her side. They sacrificed time in their busy schedules and set aside their own emotions to be a light for her in the darkness of her situation.
I was so impressed by the maturity and willingness to empathize so deeply and make a sacrifice out of love at such a young age. To me, their actions were Christlike because He role modeled the ultimate journey of sacrifice to bring light into our darkness here on earth.
For the record: these are good students, active in a variety of extracurricular activities and on a track to achieve worldly success, but I think it’s that genuine light of Christ shining through their sincerity of intent and genuine caring for others, which will make them stand out in their fields and make a true difference in the the world.
Whatever your field and whatever your level of success in worldly terms: When does your light shine the brightest? When do you glorify God? And most importantly: how can you do it more often?
Through the sincerity of our intent, our genuine caring, and our willingness to serve others - as Ambrosians, we all have the power to shine ever more brightly, no matter how dark things get in the world around us.
Isaiah 58 7-10 "Thus says the LORD: Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed; your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!"
St. Ambrose University extends a special invitation to students, faculty and staff to join us this spring for a 3-day event celebrating 10 years of Pope Francis!
A leader from and for the margins, this humble servant of God has captured the imagination of people across the globe. Attendees will hear from experts from around the world as they examine Pope Francis, including his theology, his ministry, and the future directions he has set for the Church and Christianity. Presentation topics will range from environmental concerns, economics and justice to a church on the margins, world religions, evangelization and inclusion.
We are honored to share that the event's closing mass will be hosted by the Papal Nuncio to the United States, His Excellency Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Titular Archbishop of Gunela.
Students, Faculty, and Staff are invited to attend any of the keynote or concurrent sessions Friday, March 17 and Saturday, March 18 without charge by registering for the conference and using the promo code PAPAL23.
Those who would like to attend the dinner Thursday night and/or the lunches Friday and Saturday, are asked to pay $40 and register using the promo code HUNGRYBEE.
Have a question about a program or event going on in Campus Ministry? Got an idea for something you'd like to see happen? EMAIL US at ministry@sau.edu.
