Sunday, July 19, 2026 – The Sixteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time
On the evening of July 4 (Independence Day), I drove to my high school alma mater, Newport Central Catholic—“The School On The Hill” to view the various fireworks displays in the area. I viewed a number of them taking place at the same time over Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati. Some were close and some were far. Some I could see on the horizon and some I could only get a partial glimpse of because they barely were visible over the horizon. It was clear that communities and individuals were celebrating our country’s 250th anniversary in style.
Afterwards, I thought about these bright lights in the dark. In the dark of night there were these spectacular explosions of light illuminating the sky. Coining a term we have often heard, they were the “light in the dark.” These optics offer food for thought. Many believe there is much darkness surrounding us and people do not know where to turn. They yearn for those flashes of light. When those flashes of light appear, they offer encouragement for a brighter future. The question for our pondering is how are we those fireworks in the world today? In the darkness, how do we “explode with hope and promise for those around us? How do we make the night bright by the unique colors and shapes (gifts) of light we are blessed with?
Our display does not need to be large or extortionary; they can be small and unexpected. They are all lights in the darkness. Based on what we can offer, some of our “fireworks in life” might be as spectacular as a Rozzi Fireworks display. Some may be as simple as a common little sparkler held in the hand. But the goal, be it great or small, is how do we illumine the way for others to see hope and to find God. That is our great cause.
We have all seen those blasts of light giving us peace and hope. Let us offer the same for those who long for a brighter future.
Let your light shine for all the world to see. The brightness of your life within, the peace that sets you free. Let your light shine to fill your nights and days; all will see the deeds you do and give your father praise. The Beatitudes-Sung By The Damean