Called to Be Light

Dear Newman Community,
 
This week our Faith Formation Ministry Team gathered to plan for the last session of our Faith Meets College faith sharing series. The topic was politics. When I first heard the students were interested in a faith sharing session on this topic, my first thought was, that’s a can of worms!
 
Sal and I gathered with the team the night before the event to plan. It seemed to me they were interested but hesitant about how to proceed, feeling the weight of the topic, especially in light of the contentious election season we have had thus far. However, I was so inspired by their willingness to reflect, collaborate, and ultimately, hope.
 
At the faith sharing session they reflected on three light themed passages, including the one at right. I encourage you to take a few minutes in reflection yourself. Begin by asking yourself, how would you describe this election in one word? Then spend some time with Scripture and these reflection questions the students came up with:
 
-Where do you see darkness in our world?
-What can you do to shine your light in the darkness?
-How can you avoid ignorance? What can you do to instead to try to understand the will of God in regards to your engagement with this upcoming election?
 
Peace,
​Mona
 

For you were once darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light, for light produces
every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth. Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them, for it is shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, or everything that becomes visible is light.
Therefore, it says:
“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead,
and Christ will give you light.”
...Therefore, do not continue in ignorance,
but try to understand what is the will of the Lord.
Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another [in] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks always and for everything in the name of our
​Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.
 
-Ephesians 5: 6-20