#shine forth

Today’s first reading describes Wisdom (the Old Testament name for the Holy Spirit) as “the refulgence of eternal light.”

“Refulgence” isn’t a word you hear much. If ever.

It means shining, radiant with brilliance. Not as a reflection of something else. But shining forth, from what’s on the inside.

The thing is, that shining forth isn’t just how the Holy Spirit works. It’s also how you and I work.

The only thing that ever shines forth – from any of us – is what’s on our inside.

Your first impulse? That response you made without thinking? What you blurted out? That’s what’s shining forth, from your inside.

If your first impulse, what you blurt out, is full of hope, peace, patience, strength, wisdom, forgiveness, love, then you know what’s on your inside. You are full of the Holy Spirit. It’s only way that any of that can shine forth.

If your first impulse, what you blurt out, is full of other stuff. Stuff like fear, anger, scorn, derision, hatred, resentment, envy. Then that’s what you have filled yourself with. It’s only way that any of that can shine forth.

Today, listen to that first impulse, what you blurt out. If what’s shining forth isn’t full of hope, peace, patience, strength, wisdom, forgiveness, love? Then it’s time to change what you’re filling yourself with.

Today’s first reading describes Wisdom (the Old Testament name for the Holy Spirit) as “the refulgence of eternal light.”

“Refulgence” isn’t a word you hear much. If ever. I had to look it up.

It means shining, radiant with brilliance. Not as a reflection of something else. But shining forth, from what’s on the inside.

The thing is, that shining forth isn’t just how the Holy Spirit works. It’s also how you and I work.

The only thing that ever shines forth – from any of us – is what’s already inside of us.

Your first impulse? That response I made without thinking? Whatever we blurted out? That’s what’s shining forth, from our inside.

If your first impulse, what you blurt out, is full of hope, peace, patience, strength, wisdom, forgiveness, love, then you know what’s on your inside. You are full of the Holy Spirit. That’s the only way any of that can shine forth.

If your first impulse, what you blurt out, is full of other stuff. Stuff like fear, anger, scorn, derision, hatred, resentment, envy. Then that’s what you have filled yourself with. That’s the only way any of that can shine forth.

Today, listen to that first impulse, what you blurt out. Be honest with yourself.

If what’s shining forth isn’t full of hope, peace, patience, strength, wisdom, forgiveness, love? Then it’s time to change what you’re filling yourself with.

Ite ad Joseph

It’s Latin. For “go to Joseph.”

The first time I saw that, it was carved into a side altar in a poor church.

With peeling paint and threadbare carpet. It was a place that hadn’t seen much love in a long time.

A closer look showed that there was something different about that little wooden altar.

It shone like someone had just cleaned it. There was a faint smell of furniture polish. On it, a simple glass jar. With water in it. And a handful of flowers that looked like they’d been picked out of someone’s yard.

The perfect symbol – it turns out – for a saint like Joseph.

Joseph had plans for himself and Mary. Plans for a life together. Then Mary turned up pregnant. And not by Joseph.

Joseph had every right to be mad. Everything he had hoped for was ruined.

No one could blame him for running away from all of it. No one could blame him for wishing that God would fix… everything. That’s what any of us would pray for.

But God didn’t make it all go away when Joseph prayed.

God gave Joseph something else. Strength. Courage. Determination. Faith.

Everything Joseph needed. To be the center. To shine right where he was.

Right where he was needed the most.

Today, there are people who need you.

They’re why God is calling you to stay, to shine right where you are.

If you let Him, God will give you everything you need. Strength. Courage. Determination. Faith.

But don’t think He expects you to do it alone.

God has already lined up exactly who you need to help you do it.

Go to Joseph.

Today’s first reading describes Wisdom (the Old Testament name for the Holy Spirit) as “the refulgence of eternal light.”

“Refulgence” isn’t a word you hear much. If ever.

It means shining, radiant with brilliance. Not as a reflection of something else. But shining forth, from what’s on the inside.

The thing is, that shining forth isn’t just how the Holy Spirit works. It’s also how you and I work.

The only thing that ever shines forth – from any of us – is what’s on our inside.

Your first impulse? That response you made without thinking? What you blurted out? That’s what’s shining forth, from your inside.

If your first impulse, what you blurt out, is full of hope, peace, patience, strength, wisdom, forgiveness, love, then you know what’s on your inside. You are full of the Holy Spirit. It’s only way that any of that can shine forth.

If your first impulse, what you blurt out, is full of other stuff. Stuff like fear, anger, scorn, derision, hatred, resentment, envy. Then that’s what you have filled yourself with. It’s only way that any of that can shine forth.

Today, listen to that first impulse, what you blurt out. If what’s shining forth isn’t full of hope, peace, patience, strength, wisdom, forgiveness, love?

Then it’s time to change what you’re filling yourself with.

"Arise and shine forth that thy light may be a standard for the nations." D&C 115:5

The 2012 mutual theme inspired this song, upbeat and energetic. The music video, MP3 download, and even the sheet music can be found here.