Gazing across a field at dusk recently at Walnut Creek, I was amazed to see hundreds of fireflies flickering their yellow lights in and above the tall, wispy grass. Some of the bugs seemed to blink so randomly. While others flickered with precision, as if they were transmitting Morse Code in patterned bursts of light.
As the sky darkened, the insects stood out even more, in sharper in contrast to the darkness. I'd never seen so many lightning bugs at one time and was in awe of all the tiny specks of light before me in the field.
Then it occurred to me that we are like the fireflies.
God gives each of us a light to shine. Alone, each of is amazing enough as we flicker our little light. But when hundreds or thousands of us shine together, we are truly spectacular. And when darkness descends around us, we shine even brighter, drawing even more attention to our light, the Light of the World.
This comparison is relevant as Catholics in the United States mark another Fortnight for Freedom, from June 21st -- the vigil of the Feasts of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More -- to July 4th, Independence Day. The nation's bishops organized the first Fortnight in 2012 to battle threats against religious freedom, which only have increased since then. Our shepherds challenge us to pray, fast and speak out on what Pope Benedict XVI called the "most cherished of American freedoms."
This year in particular, we are called to shine. The theme is "Fortnight for Freedom 2016: Witnesses to Freedom." These are days to bear witness, to live our faith in Christ with more passion and vigilance than ever. Our darkened world needs His light.
The following is a prayer from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops:
Almighty God, Father of all nations,
For freedom You have set us free in Christ Jesus (Gal 5:1).
We praise and bless You for the gift of religious liberty,
the foundation of human rights, justice, and the common good.
Grant to our leaders the wisdom to protect and promote our liberties;
By Your grace may we have the courage to defend them, for ourselves and for all those who live in this blessed land.
We ask this through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, our patroness,
and in the name of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
with Whom You live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Inspired by the Year of Faith, Susan Szalewski began writing weekly columns for us. Although that year is over, we liked them so well that we asked her to keep writing. Thankfully, she said yes. So watch for these on Thursdays and see the Year of Faith Blog here.
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