Summary
Highlights
The speaker initially tries to make a costume, which doesn't work out. He then shifts to explaining how a lamp works as an analogy for how we can be the "light of the world" as Jesus said. For a lamp to give light, it needs to be plugged in, receiving energy from an external source. Our soul's energy is called the grace of God.
To connect to God's grace, there are three 'plugs': sacraments, reading the Bible, and prayer. Sacraments connect us to God. Reading the Bible allows God to speak to us and fill us with His light. Prayer is a way to communicate with God, both speaking to Him and listening for His words.
Even when a lamp is plugged in, it needs a switch to turn on. The 'switch' for our soul, to illuminate, is good works. Doing good deeds is what allows our light to shine. Jesus commanded us not to hide our light but to let it illuminate others, so they may see our good works and glorify God.
We manifest God's light when we help others, pray for them, offer good advice, and share our time and possessions. The clearest sign of being connected to God is not just how much we pray, but how much we do for others through our good works.
The task for the week is twofold: first, plug into God by praying privately and asking to be filled with Him. Second, go out into the world (home, school, with friends) and give light by helping others with small acts of love. This is how we become the light of the world.