​In every Catholic parish, the light of Christ burns brightly every Easter Vigil and scatters the darkness that surrounds us. The Paschal Candle that symbolizes the Lord Jesus, triumphant in conquering death and sin is relit every time a son or a daughter is reborn in baptism. Every baptized person shares the resurrection of Jesus and the light of His triumph.

Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lamp stand?” The gift of light that we received in our baptism, do we keep it in or should we use it to bring the light of Jesus in our surroundings?

This light that we received needs to be reignited by a relationship with Jesus. He is the light that never ends, without prayer, without friendship with Him, our light is bound to fail. Jesus desires to keep our light reignited. The more we let that light shine, the more He increases it in us.

Today, let us be Christ’s light to those who surround us. There is a lot of darkness in many lives. Let us share with them the light of Jesus with our loving actions, with our joy. 

May Jesus be today the light of our life.

How are  you letting the light of Christ shine on to your surroundings?

Do you allow Christ to burn brightly through you? Are you allowing Him to increase in you through friendship and prayer with Him?

How can you increase the flame of Jesus within you?

"You are my light."

"You are my life."

​"Live in me, Lord."

Today, let the love of Christ shine through you. It can be difficult to confidently radiate Jesus to all those you encounter, but today, let that light of Christ burn brightly for all to see. Ask God to give you the grace you need to increase the fire in your heart and to share His love through your actions. Trust that He is with you always. 

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

​As a magazine editor, I always am thinking about words.

And I’m always thinking about words that would make a good magazine name for cover copy or a new entrepreneurial adventure.

One word that I have been stuck on for the past few weeks has been the word “dwell.”

There’s something about it that’s minimalistic and simple, but it says so much. And maybe it’s the double “L,” but it looks so appealing to me too.

Where we dwell is where we reside. But the connotation of it to me is it’s a place where we stay. A place we find rest and find comfort. A place that simply isn’t shelter, but a home. A place that lets us rest so we can be fully ourselves and fully alive when we leave it.

Of course, it’s already a magazine title (as many of my favorite words are). The brand Dwell focuses on modern living, home design ideas and inspirations, and using “the power of good design to enhance our lives and to build stronger communities.” It’s a place for architects and home enthusiasts to ponder and find creativity to enhance the places in which we live.

In today’s first reading the Lord gave a message to David via Nathan, starting with, “Should you build me a house to dwell in?”

The Israelites had been wandering in the desert after leaving Egypt, with the Lord of Hosts “in a tent under cloth.”

The Lord didn’t utter a word about it, He said, but helped the Israelites “destroy the enemies” before them and be with them “wherever they went.”

But, the Lord continues, that He will give them rest from their enemies.

“I will fix a place for my people Israel;
I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place
without further disturbance.”
…
“It is he who shall build a house for my name.”

Even the Lord wants a home and a place to rest. That is one beauty of the Catholic Church, and the home we have for Jesus in the tabernacle in our churches.

The Lord also has a home in our hearts, wherever He leads us and wherever we wander.

But the Lord also wanted a place for his chosen people: A place where they could stay, a place they could dwell.

Is your home a place you can dwell? Is there a place in your home that can bring peace, rest and quiet from the turbulent outside world?

This Sunday during his homily, our priest talked about giving the Bible a prominent place in our homes.

Is your Bible somewhere you can see – do you even know where it is? Is your Bible in a place where you can touch out and reach it in moments of turmoil and distress? Is it in a place of honor and respect?

Is your home a place where you are free from your enemies – or are you inviting them inside your home, whether it be in the form of violent video games or pornography?

Is it a place that restores you and allows you to be fully alive and ready for life when you leave it?

Let’s make our homes a place where we can dwell. Let us cultivate it to be a place where we can stay and be protected from the outside world – and a place where the Lord can then dwell with us, abide in us and offer His protection.

These questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today.
​
Where can I dwell with the Lord?

​How can I make my home a place where Christ is more visible?

Do I need to free my home of any sinful objects, actions, or dangers that might be hindering my relationship with Christ? 

In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.
​
"Dwell with me."

"Build me a house."

​"Peace, rest, quiet."

In light of today's reading and your time spent in prayer with the Lord, what concrete action or actions will you take to let this encounter with the Lord bear fruit in you today?
​
Place a holy image somewhere prominent in your room or locker or another place where you will frequently see it. Every time you see the image, take a moment to invite the Lord to dwell with you.