Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church

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.

Our faith should never be hidden from others. It should be upheld so that its light can lead others to God. This does not mean we flaunt it or force it on others, but rather we are not afraid to act like Christ in both our public and private lives. When people see us, they should see Jesus in our thoughts, words, and works. These manifestations of God’s Love for and mercy towards His children should constantly flow from our actions. Too often we hide our faith from others, but Jesus calls us to go forth into the world and bear the light of God's Truth to everyone we meet. We cannot do that if we are not willing to risk ourselves completely for him and his gospel message.

Do we hide our faith from others? How do we manifest God’s Love and Mercy for others? Are we willing to risk everything to bear the light of truth into the world?

O Lord, lift us up so that we can bear your light into the world?

Amen.