Carrying Christ’s Light to the World

Have you ever received a compliment about something you have accomplished, and you quickly dismiss it with, “Oh, thanks, it was nothing…” or, “Thank you, but…”

Once upon a time, a priest during his homily defined the word humility as, “Knowing the talents God has given to you, and then putting them to use for His plans.” This particular homily focused not just on accepting compliments graciously with a simple, “Thank you,” but then also came with a very emphatic reminder that God has given each of us gifts, a light to the world, meant to be used for His service.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:14-16

Sisters in Christ, we are meant to be light to the world! 

Our MCCW logo provides us with a visible reminder, every time we put it on our clothing, carry a bag, or wear a shirt emblazoned with the logo – we are called, and dare I say, challenged at times, to be a “Visible presence of Christ,” not just in our homes, but also in our church/chapel communities, and in our military communities! The logo goes further into detail by outlining the path of being this visible presence of Christ, through spirituality, leadership, and service.

Last month, MCCW unveiled our newest leadership opportunity known as “3D Connect.” As our Director for Regional Coordinators explained in her article this “3D Connect” focuses on Development of both spirituality and leadership (CCC 1936*), Discipleship for all baptized Christians (CCC 1269*), and Discernment of our gifts, talents, treasure, and ways we can put them to use in order for Christ’s light to shine through each of us (CCC 799-801*).

Those of us who have belonged to a Catholic Women of the Chapel (CWOC) group, or other lady’s ministry group, or even a secular group like the PTO, spouse’s club, etc., can attest that it is important for us to examine our gifts and talents, evaluate our individual station in life, and prayerfully consider how God is calling us to shine His light upon the world.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 issues us specific gifts, but these are not all inclusive. The list goes on and on, and as the priest in the homily years ago mentioned, when we not only recognize our gifts, but also use them for God’s glory and benefit, that is truly the most humble act. 

For the writer, Christ’s light can be shown through written communication. For the organizer, the light shines brightest when preparing for a retreat and/or group activity, or within a committee. When a woman is skilled with numbers and budgeting, her light might shine brightly when assisting with budget management or finance roles in organizations. A graphic designer’s light might best be seen when the lady is creating Godly content to put out on social media, a company or organization. 

As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.

1 Cor 12:12-13

MCCW-Worldwide and your local chapel groups can use your light! 

Specifically, MCCW is looking for women who have the talent and desire to spread the Good News of Christ, our Salvation, and God’s continued love through the following positions:

Social Media Manager

Social Media Graphics and/or Content Creator

Grant Writer

Webmaster

Forum Committee

Events & Auction Planning

Awards Committee

Your local CWOC chapters will also have use for any of your gifts and talents, as they also serve to spiritually feed their members. Each installation has their own needs, but I assure you all women are welcome to the table of service.

As MCCW continues to have an emphasis on “3D Focus,” we will continue to encourage all of our sisters throughout the world to also consider your own spiritual and leadership Development, answer to the call of Discipleship, and Discern the best ways you can make the Lord’s light shine through your works in 2022 and beyond.

Each of us are called to emulate Our Lady through the virtue of humility. As we see in her own Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), Our Lady knew that the Lord was working through her, and it was her acceptance to allow His continued light to shine through her, that made all the difference for our salvation.

If you are ready to humbly submit to the call for help for any of the above positions, please reach out to our Director of Communications and/or President.

Our Lady of Good Counsel, we ask that you will gently guide each woman toward your Son, through spirituality, leadership, and service as we stand as a visible presence of Christ within our MCCW…, local chapel…, military…, and secular… communities.

Our Lady of Good Counsel, pray for us.

In Christ,

Anni

Director of Communications

*Above references to CCC are found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd Edition*