Let Our Light Shine

In case you didn't know, the Super Bowl is on Sunday, February 8, pitting the Seattle Seahawks against the New England Patriots. While this may prove to be a really good football game, there is a lot of attention being given not to that but to the halftime show featuring the Puerto Rican singer, rapper, and songwriter Bad Bunny (whom I do not know much about and have not listened to his music which is often in a language in which I am not conversant). For some who are familiar with his lyrics and past performances, there has been much outcry as to content which may be rather offensive to many. As a result, Turning Point USA is sponsoring an alternative halftime show featuring different musical artists that may appeal to those not plussed on Bad Bunny. (It will be available on YouTube and X.)

This weekend's readings remind us of our responsibility as God's people to let our light shine. One of the ways we do that is by offering an alternative to what has become common in our world. And, unfortunately, what has become all too common? "Entertainment" that embraces less-than-God-pleasing language and storylines and which often exploits people as objects; businesses such as online gaming which have figured out how to use technologies to prey on young men in particular; an increased push to legalize substances in the name of revenue; violence, bullying, etc.

While it would be very easy to throw up our hands in despair and give up, there is another way. St. Paul reminds us, "'I have the right to do anything,' you say—but not everything is beneficial. 'I have the right to do anything'—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others." (1 Corinthians 10:23–24) In other words, the way of truly loving one's neighbor as oneself, resulting from our Loving the Lord with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength -- a great alternative the Holy Spirit empowers us to offer to the world around us, not as a show, but as a lifestyle that emulates Jesus.