To be a beacon of light to the world is appalling! Who could be the immediate emissary or ambassador of beacons of light? Undoubtedly it’s the hope of tomorrow and our hope of tomorrow is none other than the pleasure of the eyes – the Youth! “Young people, pleasure of the eyes of Jesus”! was what once Pope Paul XII said. Certainly, the youth is the power house; the lighthouse; that beacon which can lighten up and one that can illumine the place with life, laughter and the like. To be a beacon of light to the World is the call… to be a symbol of hope; an inspiration; a bonfire, to dispel and unearth the darkness that surrounds.
The darkness that has kept/keeps us spellbound through various fascination and allurements. The impact of modern hi-tech gadgets to disillusion and that divert the focus; the destruction of creative energy due to these absorption’s.
The darkness that comes like the white ants and has had destroyed life because of unrealistic values, status, power, to be someone else and greed. The darkness that separate us from the love of God. St John says, this is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” Light shines in the darkness. This light springs from God who sent his Son to overcome this darkness. For He says: “I am the Light of the World”.
There is a need to gather this light, for a lighthouse without a light is essentially pointless. And so it’s left up to you to ask “Have I chosen the light?” Am I in the light? St Paul exhorts us that all have been called and been given a choice to be bearers of Christ’s light into the world. While there is a joy in standing as beacons of light, there is also the challenge of feeling different, rejected and unworthy when one ventures to share and defend the light. The Convention is one such platform and the right time for introspection and action.
“What is given to you is given to share, not to keep” – Mother Teresa
We are all meant to shine our light. We don’t have to be someone else in order to share our gifts. We don’t have to write a book, appear on Big Boss or be a Khatron ka Khiladi!, or even a great personality! We contribute to the world by being who we are. We make a difference by uplifting ourselves and allowing ourselves to grow and expand our perspectives. We become a source of light to others when we stay connected with our own inner light.
For me a person who shines her/his light, being an inspiration, a guide and brings hope to others – is a Beacon. Every single day, we have endless opportunities to be a beacon. You are a beacon each time you get through a challenging conversation; when you speak the truth; when you take off the mask and allow yourselves to be real, human and humane with all imperfections. You are a beacon every time you smile, you love, you accept ... You are a beacon every second you overcome peer pressure!