Light Shines Brightest When Shared: This Diwali, Embrace and Share Christ, the True Light of the World

As Diwali fills homes with lights and celebrates the victory of good over evil, it presents a wonderful moment for us as Catholics to reflect on the true Light that guides our lives: Jesus Christ, who proclaimed, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12, ESV-CE). In a world often surrounded by darkness, Jesus invites us to live in His radiant love and to share that light with others

Called to Radiance: Reflecting the Light of Christ

Jesus doesn’t just call us to receive His light; He calls us to radiate it. In Psalm 34:5, we are reminded, “Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.” To look to Christ is to find joy and peace that transforms us, making us vessels of His light to the world. And this light is not one to be hidden. As Jesus instructs in the Gospel of Matthew, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden... Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house” (Matthew 5:14-15, ESV-CE).

This call to radiate light becomes an invitation for us to live out our faith openly and lovingly, letting our actions reflect Jesus’s love. We are meant to share His light with the world—within our families, communities, workplaces, and everywhere we go. As Pope Francis once said, “To be a saint is not a privilege for the few but a vocation for everyone.” Just as Diwali celebrates light, we, too, are called to celebrate and share the true Light of Christ.

A Light to Illuminate and Transform Lives

Throughout Scripture, we see the theme of light as a guiding force that leads us closer to God. In 1 John 1:5, we read, “God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.” Living in the light of Christ means that we choose to leave behind anything that brings darkness into our lives and instead walk with integrity, compassion, and joy.

St. Teresa of Calcutta, known for her radiant spirit, reminds us, “We are called to be the light in the darkness, the spark of God’s own love in a world yearning for compassion.” She understood that each of us, no matter how small or humble, can be a beacon of Christ’s love to others.

As St. Francis of Assisi said, “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” Our role as Christians is to be that candle, carrying the love and peace of Jesus into a world that so deeply needs it.

Pope Francis echoes this call by urging Catholics to be “missionary disciples” who “take the first step, become involved, accompany, bear fruit and rejoice.” He challenges us to step out of our comfort zones to be sources of light in a world longing for Christ’s presence. By living a life rooted in love, faith, and service, we become visible reflections of His light.

Spreading the Light of Christ in Daily Life

Living as a light-bearer is not only for grand gestures but for daily acts of love. This can be as simple as offering words of encouragement, reaching out to someone who feels alone, or extending a hand to someone in need. Jesus shows us that His light shines brightly through small, consistent acts of kindness and compassion.

Be the Light in Every Relationship

As Catholics, we are called to bring Christ’s light into our relationships. When we show kindness, offer forgiveness, or reach out in love, we reflect Jesus’s love. Our small actions can be transformative, like the parable of the mustard seed, growing to impact lives in ways we might never see. This Diwali, let our lives shine brightly as living testimonies of God’s love, bringing peace and hope to those around us.

Guiding Others to the Light: Being a Digital Missionary and Sharing BibleOn, the Catholic Bible App with Audio

In the spirit of sharing this light, we have a unique opportunity to be digital missionaries in today’s world. The BibleOn app—a free, feature-rich Catholic Bible app with multiple language options—provides an incredible way to spread the Word of God far and wide. This Diwali, consider gifting this light to family and friends by guiding them in installing BibleOn, especially for the elderly, the sick, or anyone who may find accessing the Scriptures difficult. By helping others engage with the Bible in their own language and on their own time, we extend the love of Christ into their lives.

As Jesus reminds us, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). By sharing BibleOn, we fulfill this call in a new and accessible way, allowing God’s Word to reach every corner of the world.

Light Shines Brightest When Shared

This Diwali, may we remember that the greatest joy lies not just in receiving the light of Christ, but in sharing it. Just as we place lamps and lights around our homes to dispel darkness, let’s intentionally bring the light of Jesus into every area of our lives. By helping others to experience this light, we continue the work of Jesus, letting His light shine through us for all to see.

May this season be a beautiful opportunity to bring the radiant light of Jesus into every relationship, home, and heart. As we celebrate the festival of lights, let us remember the One who is the true Light of the world and continue to spread His love and joy far and wide.