This Little Light Of Mine, I'm Gonna Let It Shine

Growing up we never went on a family vacation. Once school was over, you played at home, helped around the house, sometimes we did a road trip to visit family, friends and occasionally we would end up swimming at Hickory Run State Park. When I lived in the “old country-stary kraj,” we would play in the woods, swim in the river, or ride our bikes to the Domaša Lake. These are the memories I have from my childhood.

There is one memory however that I share from both continents: catching fireflies in our back yard. This was always an evening activity that I enjoyed with my friends, and there are several lessons we can learn from enjoying this summer activity.

In Slovakia fireflies or lightening bugs are called “Svätojánske mušky” which basically means “St. John’s flies.” You might be asking why do they call them St. John’s flies? Keep in mind that back in the day, our faithful living in what we call the “old country-stary kraj,” lived out their faith on a daily basis. The day began and ended with the church bell ringing in the villages. The Divine Liturgy, Sacraments, Sacramentals-Blessings were celebrated. As part of observing the Liturgical year, the fields were blessed, honey, fruit, flowers/herbs were also blessed. This was the “ethos” of our people, keeping in mind “Bez Boha, ne do poroha - Without God, you can’t even get as far as the threshold.” So naming fireflies after a saint was normal since these amazing flying, light-producing insects emerge around the Nativity of St. John the Baptist which is celebrated on June 24th.

Fireflies are a hallmark of the summer and the twinkling flashes of light add a touch of magic to our evenings throughout the U.S. They LIGHT UP the darkness around us.

Friends, we need only read the news to see evidence that darkness has been increasing all around us. In Pittsburgh it seems like daily we witness domestic violence, gun violence, drug overdose deaths and political violence is increasing as well.

In the midst of all this and so much more, the world is in need of light. As we look into the history of the GCU it is quite evident that this organization provided so much “light” to our people who were facing hardships and trials in life. What about you and me in this 21st century. Can you be a LIGHT? The answer is absolutely.

In Matthew 5: 14-16 our Lord says: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Based upon those verses our Lord gives us a solution to today’s world’s darkness: you and me, our families, our parish communities, our holy church and the GCU. Even with the overwhelming darkness surrounding us (as often it seems) we are called daily to be the light that shines for others, to help people see God and find love, peace, hope and happiness in the midst of hopelessness.

As a parent I recall our daughters coming home from school one day singing that song “This Little Light of Mine.” This beloved hymn was written by Harry Dixon Loes in the early 20th century sings about the light in each individual and how, whether standing up alone or joining together, each little bit of light can break the darkness of this world.

To break the darkness in our world we must first understand and recognize darkness, especially when it tries to sneak into our own hearts. This darkness reveals itself in a life that opposes God; for example, we choose darkness when we choose to be resentful instead of forgiving, or deceitful instead of truthful.

You are called to choose to live a life full of light instead. By embracing light and breaking away from the darkness of this world we restore our joy, trust and ability to love in relationships. The light of Christ relieves anxiety and helps us be at peace.

We need that peace in our world today, we need that peace in our lives, in our families, in our society and in our country. Choosing the light takes courage, but it’s the best decision we can make because it brings that peace!

The founders of the GCU understood the significance of light in their lives. Did they learn this from watching Svätojánske mušky-St. John’s flies? Maybe. You my friend when you see fireflies in your back yard, think about your calling to produce that light, that love, that peace that can break the darkness of the world.

Fr. Valerian M. Michlik | GCU Spiritual Advisor