Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:15-16
“We have to shine not only before others by our good works and by what we say, but also before the angels in our prayer, and before God in the intentions of our hearts. In the presence of the angels our lamps will shine with unsullied reverence when we sing the psalms attentively in their sight or pray fervently; before God our lamp is single-minded resolve to please Him alone to whom we have entrusted ourselves.”
Guerric of Igny (1070-1157) recounted in Celebrating the Saints, compiled by Robert Atwell (SCM: Norwich, 2004) 80.
Cool name, Guerric of Igny. Not much is known about the life of this Cistercian abbot who studied under a Benedictine monk and lived a life of prayer, mostly in Belgium.
What we do know is that he cared about about not just shining before others with good works, but also before the angels in heaven and before God in his heart. He reveals the secret to this; Live with with single-minded resolve to please God. The rest falls into place after that. God help us do this today.
Father, by your Holy Spirit, help us live with single-minded resolve to please you so that heaven sings, people sees, and you will be honored. Do this we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.