Saint Francis of Assisi has been quoted as saying, “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” It’s a statement that so perfectly captures the spirit of hope that he strove to live by and that we all are called to cultivate within our hearts. We are called to be light to the world by inviting Christ into our lives to allow His light to shine through us in all that we do. And spreading hope is most vital in trying times because that’s when our light is most needed.
“It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness,” is the ancient Chinese proverb that Father James Keller, M.M., adopted as a motto in founding The Christophers back in 1945. It’s a bit of wisdom that reminds us to always be positive amid the challenges of life.
Father Keller said, “Rebellion against difficulties and obstacles that cannot legitimately be avoided only makes a bad situation worse. Ordinary common sense recommends that we ride the storm, not buck it.” Though we must certainly be realistic about the challenges we face, Father Keller understood that we’ll never overcome our obstacles if we don’t stay positive.
A quote attributed to Saint Catherine of Siena states, “Start being brave about everything, driving out darkness and spreading light as well. Don’t look at your weakness, but realize that in Christ crucified you can do everything.”
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Catherine and Francis were separated by over a century in time, but they lived in cities less than a hundred miles apart in central Italy—and their actions had ripple effects felt throughout the world to this day. This is the legacy of those who devote their lives to God. They become the fertile ground upon which good fruit can flourish.
Francis was so humble that he interpreted the command from God, “Rebuild my Church,” as a simple instruction to repair stonework in a hillside chapel. That may have been God’s first and simplest intention for Francis, but the world now knows that Francis was also called to lead a renewal of devotion to Christ.
Catherine followed in his footsteps over a hundred years later. Although she started by confining herself to a cloister to grow in devotion to God, she eventually felt called to ministry to the poor and sick, and her mission just kept growing until her counsel was sought by leaders on the world stage.
Another quote attributed to Saint Catherine states, “Be who you were born to be, and you will set the world on fire.” She and Francis both answered the call to simply be themselves. In each case, it was a humble path that led to great things.
Two centuries after the time of Saint Catherine of Siena and a thousand miles away in Spain, Saint Teresa of Avila set the world on fire by charting a path of prayer and contemplation. Saint Teresa also understood the importance of staying positive. She once said, “From somber, serious, sullen saints, save us, O Lord.”
Like Catherine and Francis, Saint Teresa knew she was called to bring light into the world. These saints teach us that the path to accomplishing great things for God is forged in hope and a positive outlook on life. So let’s resolve to stay positive, knowing God will meet us in our hope and transform it into a seed from which good fruit will blossom in the world around us.
Father Ed Dougherty, M.M., is on the board of directors of The Christophers. For free copies of the Christopher News Note “Guided By the Holy Spirit,” write: The Christophers, 264 West 40th Street, Room 603, New York, N.Y. 10018; or e-mail: mail@christophers.org
