When I was the associate priest in Greeley, they decided to do some renovation to the rectory.  It had beautiful oak floors they wanted to restore.  There was a big problem on the second floor.  At some time in the past, an electrician took a rip saw and cut a channel from the middle of the hall to the middle of the rooms so they could conveniently install new wire.  It was then covered with carpet.  As an amateur carpenter and electrician who loves old workmanship, I was appalled.   But I was also very curious to see how the floor was going to be restored.  All I could imagine was a huge tear up of old flooring.  So, when the flooring specialist came, I was there to see how this was going to be done.  It turned out he had the small power tool called an “oscillating saw”.  With it he carefully removed small sections of flooring to facilitate the replacement in an orderly weaved fashion.  When it was sanded, stained and finished, all signs of the barbarous, hack job by the electrician disappeared. Needless to say, I wanted to know where I could get one of those saws.  I have two, a cored one and a cordless.  They are the handiest power tool I have every owned.  I use them all the time.

     In our Gospel reading today Jesus says “You are a light…”  In our own time we have seen the many advancements in portable lights. The small LED flashlight comes to mind.  Can you imagine the reaction of people when they first witnessed a portable light, saying, “I have to get one!”

     When the Gospel is lived with sincerity it becomes a light that shines all around in contrast to the darkness of a sinful world.  The Gospel according to John says people “flee the light because the deeds are sinful.”  But for those who want to see and overcome the darkness in their lives, the light is a “got to have it” moment!  Just like when I witnessed the oscillating saw.  I didn’t need to be sold on it.  I witnessed how marvelous it was.  If we live the Gospel with sincerity, those who experience its’ light, want it.  Don’t put you light under a bushel.  Let it shine.

     The Lord be with you.  Fr. Sid.