I sit out side of my doorsteps in the cool night and look up at the sky, and I would describe it as a "starry sky," but I live in Los Angeles, and well, that's just not a thing. But I manage to see a few stars and their appearance in the darkness and somewhat silence of the night in a big city makes me desire to turn into a recluse. What makes a certain star's brilliance outshine others through the thick LA smog? Surely, the others are also worth admiring. Maybe you've thought the same.

I am by no means a biblical scholar, sister, and today's readings definitely left me a bit curious, but I will tell you what—we don't need credentials to praise.

When a sister shines brightly and is able to break through the thick smog of her own life, acknowledge her light and say, "Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God almighty" (Revelations 15:3). Praise.

When a sister is called beautiful by someone she's interested in, and it all happens right in front of you, say, "Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God almighty"(Revelations 15:3). Praise.

When a sister is advancing in her spiritual life and rejoices in being closer to God, and you feel distant from that reality, you say, "Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God almighty"(Revelations 15:3). Praise.

Because after the thick smog of a city night sky clears up, every single star shines, and it doesn't really matter which one was noticed first or most frequently. We all shine in the eyes of our heavenly Admirer.

Now, next time I see a sister shine brightly here on earth, I will say to the Lord, "I, Kiki, saw on earth another sign, great and awe-inspiring" (inspired by Revelation 15:1).

[bctt tweet="We all shine in the eyes of our heavenly Admirer. // @kikiiithebrave" username="blessedisshe__"]

listen to today’s devotion

Listen to this talk about Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, our brightest gift on earth.