

Inspiring Words
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This is a story about a man who was so good that the angels asked God to give him the gift of miracles… God wisely told them to ask the man if that is what he wished. So, the angels visited the good man and offered him first, the gift of healing by hands, then, the gift of conversation by souls, and lastly, the gift of virtue. He refused them all. The angels insisted that the man choose a gift, and that if he didn’t, they would choose one for him. “Very well,” he replied. “I ask that I may do a great deal of good without ever knowing it.” The angels were perplexed. Taking counsel, they resolved upon the following plan: Ever time the man’s shadow falls behind him, it will have the power to cure disease, soothe pain, and comfort sorrow. As he walks, his shadow behind him will make arid, green paths, cause withered plants to bloom, give fresh color to pale children, and joy to unhappy men and women. So, the man simply goes about his daily life, diffusing virtue as the stars diffuse light and the flowers their scent, without ever being aware of it. The people who respected his humility followed him silently, never speaking to him about his miracles. Soon, they even forgot his name, instead calling him “The Holy Shadow”. So, we ask ourselves, how do we spill light in our broken world? And the answer is simple – in Jesus’ life and ministry. He looked specifically for those left out, for the poor, the outcast, those excluded. He wanted to tell them all; there’s a place at the table for you. There’s a place at the table for everyone. We have the capacity to spill light. We can be holy shadows. And in a world where there is overwhelming fear, we need holy shadows to repair and heal, listen and hear. In a world where there is anxiety, we need holy shadows. In a world where people are marginalized or left out; we need holy shadows. In a world where people have forgotten that they are loved and cared for, we need holy shadows. In a world where people are overlooked or excluded because of creed; we need holy shadows. As we are gathered together on this beautiful Sunday morning, let us give a Prayer of Gratitude for God’s Grace as He lovingly led us to be a community that continues to, and will always be, kind and conscientious people. Living the work of God and leaving holy shadows.