Wednesday 5th November – Wednesday of week 31 of the year

Reflection: Philippians 2:12-18

SHINING STARS

The theme of today’s reflection might make one wonder if it is possible for a star not to shine. Scientists have in fact discovered that not all stars in the cosmos emit light. They explain that some stars have lost the essential gaseous substances that would enable them to radiate light; hence, they become ‘dead’ stars. Dear friend, today’s reading reminds us that Christians are expected to radiate light in a world of darkness and corruption. We are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14) and are likened to stars in today’s reading. We are called to be stars whose essential substance of radiation is still alive and active.

To truly become the shining stars which God has called us to be, we have to take little steps on a daily basis. For instance, we are never to complain or grumble in the discharge of our day-to-day activities (Philippians 2:14-15). You might wonder whether there is a connection between your everyday duties and being a shining star. Remember that tiny drops of water make an ocean, and greatness is not achieved in one day. It has to be a daily effort on our part because God is faithfully fulfilling His own part always; giving us the grace we need to live for Him and working out His eternal purpose in our lives. (Philippians 2:13). Our own part involves living in love towards all we come in contact with daily. As Christians, our words and actions must bring peace and comfort to those around us. In doing these beloved, we are actually becoming the stars we were made to be.

Let us go out today knowing that Christ, who is our light and salvation has empowered us to bring illumination to the hopeless we may find around us today. Let us do well to radiate enough light as shining stars so as to dispel the darkness of sin, hatred and unfruitfulness around us.

PRAYER: Jesus, you are the light that dispels all forms of darkness, and because you live in me I have the same power to dispel every darkness around me. Please help me to cooperate with your grace today. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 1704: “The human person participates in the light and power of the divine Spirit. By his reason, he is capable of understanding the order of things established by the Creator. By free will, he is capable of directing himself toward his true good. He finds his perfection ‘in seeking and loving what is true and good’.”

HIDE A TREASURE: “…You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky.” Philippians 2:15 GNB

Readings for Today: Philippians 2:12-18; Psalm 27: 1, 4, 13-14; Luke 14: 25-33