We sat in silence. The entire prayer table filled with small lit candles. Although the lights were off, the room was illuminated by the collective light of our little flames.

My assistant and I had called the names of our students, handing each young child a tea light in a glass holder. We had prepared them beforehand, showing them how to hold the candle and place it in front of them as they sat cross-legged during our prayerful ceremony. Their joyful smiling faces illuminated the room even more brightly than the candles. Each child was happy to be seen and to be recognized, and happy to receive a symbol of the light of Christ that they received at Baptism.

The candles shone on the prayer table the entire school day. Seeing the light still aflame, many of the children took time to come and say a prayer or simply to sit in silence and enjoy their beauty.

There is likewise peace, joy, and solemn sacredness when we allow our God-given inner light to be given and seen by others. When we let go of our coping mechanisms of hiding and diminishing the truth about ourselves, our authentic self can shine in its attractive radiance. What a gift to God, ourselves, and others to enter into the shining beauty of who we really are in vulnerability and truth.

What do you need to do to show up more fully as your true self? Where are you afraid to shine your light? How can you step into greater courage to be seen by God, yourself, and others today?

Come Holy Spirit, inspire us with the fire of Your love. Give us openness and humility to receive the gift of God's light that we may have courage to authentically shine Your truth and love with peace and joy. In Jesus' name. Amen.

[bctt tweet="Be seen by God. // Mary Catherine Craige" username="blessedisshe__"]

listen to today’s devotion