See light in children

The words from the texts of the Roman Catholic Lectionary today may be best absorbed from the point of view of children. The passage from the Letter to the Ephesians directs us to be imitators of God and children of light. A Sunday School lesson on this text makes the point that we need to know what are some of the actions which witness to our membership in the family of Christ and some life choices which will convey the opposite message to people. The reflection of Jan Schnack which describes walking in solitude where we have the opportunity to listen to God may be an opportunity to have the Spirit indicate to us the areas in which our life journey could radiate more of the Light of Christ. Friar Jude Winkler reinforces the theme of how actions speak loudly of what we really believe. The Gospel from Luke tells of Jesus decision to act now to relieve the burden of the crippled woman instead of arranging a less confrontational action where the cure would be offered in private or after the Sabbath. The impetuous response of our childhood to receive and give love and affection is often replaced with caution and reticence as we dwell on the bruises and scars of our personal journey. Our healing from the crippling attitudes and actions of 18 or 80 years is offered to us now.