A Trail of Light

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In ancient England, the streets were lit by gas and there was a person who went from light to light turning on the gas and lighting the lamp. They were called a lamplighter. We do not see them, only the lights they leave behind. One by one, the darkness yields to the glow of the lamps. John the Baptist, whose birth we celebrate today, is like that unseen lamplighter. He goes before us, lighting the way, preparing our hearts for Christ, the true Light of the World. 

John’s mission was to lead people through the darkness of confusion and sin, toward the brightness of Christ’s salvation. T hough we may not have seen the Baptist, the trail of light he set ablaze leads us to Jesus. Now that Christ has come, the work of lighting the way falls to us. We are called to be lamplighters in a world that still knows much darkness.  

What does it mean to be a lamplighter for Christ? It means bringing light where there is hurt, fear, and division. It means offering kindness where there is cruelty, harshness, and bitterness. Being the first to forgive, even when it is hard, is one of the most profound ways we can be Christ’s light. Forgiveness breaks the cycle of darkness and lets the light of healing and reconciliation shine.  

In a world longing for peace and compassion, we are called to be the light that leads others to Christ. Through small acts of love, we ignite hope in the hearts of those we encounter. Let us follow in John’s footsteps and bring Christ’s light to all nations. 

Fr. Brendan McGuire

Brendan McGuire is pastor of St. Simon Parish, Los Altos, California, and author of a book of Sunday homilies, Weaving the Divine Thread.