Sally gives us an opportunity to shine our light

Hurricane Sally left a lasting mark on many in the southern half of our archdiocese. The power of her ferocious winds were highly underestimated. When most of us lost power and were headed to bed, she was merely a Category 1. In the early hours of the morning, Sally strengthened to a strong Category 2 hurricane and was moving so slowly that her persistent violent winds howled with a monster like roar. Left in the dark with no power for days (hopefully not weeks) this quote from Pope Francis sheds some much needed light in a difficult time.
The destruction Sally left in her wake gives us a chance to shine our light. Seeing our communities come together in times of need is a beautiful example of stewardship. The numerous stories of one neighbor helping another are heartwarming. Whether it is helping with cleanup, sharing refrigerator space with someone who doesn’t have a generator, donating food or supplies or filling up gas tanks are all beautiful examples of good stewards shining their light of Christ. In St. Matthew’s gospel, Jesus tells us that “You are the Light of the world.”
Personally, my husband and I are incredibly thankful for our neighbors who helped us clear debris and drag limbs to the curb as my husband cut down the trees that had fallen across our driveway during the storm. We are all called to share our gift with kindness and generosity so that we can be the light needed when our world seems very dark.
“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” – Matthew 5:13-16
­­ — Shannon Roh is the Executive Director of the Office of Development and Stewardship for the Archdiocese of Mobile.