Let The Light Shine Through Us

James John and Joseph were 3 friends in the Roman Catholic Seminary. They were very close friends who shared a passion for serving God and as such, dedicated their lives.

One day, the 3 friends were heading to a remote area to see a mutual friend. On their way there, they were about to cross a stream when they saw a pretty lady who couldn't cross because she was wearing a tight outfit. John decided to be a "gentleman" and carried the lady on his back across the stream. He dropped her, bade her farewell and said "May the Lord be with you sister" with a smile on his face.

On their way back from the friend's place, James who had been so quiet all along spoke out.

James: Joseph, are you truly comfortable with John's actions?

John: What have I done James?

James: You saw a lady dressed indecently, yet you carried her across the stream and bade her farewell without even reprimanding her, instead I noticed the lustful smile on your face.

Joseph: Well, I noticed the smile too. But I think it was kind of John to take her across the stream when she needed help. The thing is, when we see people doing wrong, we must call them to order don't you think?

John: There was once a poor man who people detested because he was arrogant, proud and rude. 2 men came in turns to preach to him and give him gifts. One day, he had refused to accept the gift from one of the men and the preacher asked why. The man said "People don't show me love, they always question my character as if they are perfect and everything is wrong with me. You always come here, telling me how I will go to hell if I don't change. You point out things I do that are unacceptable. But the other man, he comes here, he tells me God loves me as much as God loves him. He says all I need to do is pray and ask God for direction and that He will also pray for me too. He tells me nice things, even when he talks about hell, he tells me it's not my portion. I have come to feel very comfortable with him. He always tells me I should be patient with myself and with others, that love will soround me soon. Whenever he comes, I feel loved, whenever you do, I feel like it is judgement day again". People do not need to be reprimanded always. As a matter of fact, the bible says we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14) God has put us on a pedestal that people may see us and learn from us. How loving we are. How patient we are. How kind and caring we are. How Cheerful we are. How attentive we are. How happy we are. How free we are and how we accept everyone like our Christ does because he has overcome sin for us. If we make people feel judged, they will run from us and not get the chance to see the light. If we make them feel loved and acceptable, they will gradually see the light and opt in. God has been patient with us. We must learn to be patient and kind to others. We are not God, but Christ has said we must strive to be perfect, even as our Father in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48)

Joseph: I think I understand now. 

James: But what did you have in mind carrying her over the stream?

John: James, I carried the lady over the stream for some seconds and dropped her. You are still carrying her hours after I dropped her, brother.


Have a great day friends.
Love, From Mona.