We are the light of the world?

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Zerg

Zerg

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This is just like a “nudge” from God to be joyful and kind to other people.

I am a very private person, but God “is telling” me that that is not what he wants of me! Away with the belief that "we have " and need to be respected as individuals.
We need to be happy and welcoming to others when they see us.

Think about when you last saw a friend or received a gift as a child and the happy feeling that you felt, this is indeed childlike faith.
(I usually refer to the Rosary, but for this I am just using my own analogies).

A priest, in the homily, said that psychology is just me, me, me (self-centred and selfish).

We are supposed to do things God’s way. Give your “heart” and life to God. This is outlined in the first commandment.

What do you understand by this?
 
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I think you have a very wise priest.
It’s not just psychology whose focus is “me, me, me”; that attitude permeates our culture. I see it even in the lyrics of many of the newer hymns we sing in Church. I love the songs that have lyrics centered on God - praise of Him, love of Him.

When we give our heart and life to God, He leads us also to focus on others instead of ourselves. Loving Him and others is what brings happiness and joy. That is what I understand your priest’s words to mean.
 
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‘WE MUST not rely too much upon ourselves, for grace and understanding are often lacking in us. We have but little inborn light, and this we quickly lose through negligence… God alone, the eternal and infinite, satisfies all, bringing comfort to the soul and true joy to the body.’ - The Imitation of Christ
 
Your thought about being “respected” is important for a Christian. Our wanting to be “respected”. is also self-centered. The idea reflects our needs and wants, not someone else’s. Jesus didn’t look to be respected; He is our role model. But it is hard. Maybe we should thank God when we aren’t acknowledged by others?
 
To be the light of the world is to bring God’s love to others. Let them experience God’s love from you, especially those who do not have it - the marginalised, the poor, the homeless, the broken-hearted, the depressed, the small guys on the street, the lonely, etc.
 
Now we’re talking ‘ spiritual combat ‘ !

Lots of Catholics - don’t like being disrespected - by anyone.
They get angry. Maybe swear. Hate the one disrespecting.
We’re supposed to turn the other cheek.
But like Peter, we take up the sword and try to behead the soldier apprehending Christ.
 
You said: ‘…my light…’. Everyone’s light is dim. It’s God, who is light. And His light that shines through you. We keep ourselves open to that light by praying and going to Mass. God will provide the rest. Part of the problem is that we tend to compare our lives with an idea of what perfect Catholicism really is. Faith, is not so much about location, or new vows, or opportunities, although they can help, but more about attitude of heart. The daily mud. We are of clay. Clay does not shine in clay. To keep ourselves trudging on, we have to participate, yet this participation does not have to consist of momentous acts, but the simplest of ways: cry out from the mud. Beginning with prayer, aware that it is God, who is the Light.
 
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Zerg said:
This is just like a “nudge” from God to be joyful and kind to other people.

I am a very private person, but God “is telling” me that that is not what he wants of me! Away with the belief that "we have " and need to be respected as individuals.
We need to be happy and welcoming to others when they see us.

Think about when you last saw a friend or received a gift as a child and the happy feeling that you felt, this is indeed childlike faith.
(I usually refer to the Rosary, but for this I am just using my own analogies).

A priest, in the homily, said that psychology is just me, me, me (self-centred and selfish).

We are supposed to do things God’s way. Give your “heart” and life to God. This is outlined in the first commandment.

What do you understand by this?
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I absolutely agree with your priest.

I totally believe it is as Jesus said in the Scriptures, where we are to “love one another, as I have loved you.”

I believe that we can also reflect the light of Christ inside of ourselves, and then reflect it outwardly if we are trying our best to live lives of faith, too. Others will see it in us, and will also see it shining outwards.

We can also see it in others, too.

I have been around people that are really good souls. They seem to emanate and radiate goodness and holiness.

Some of them are religious and clergy, but some of them are also lay people who are devout souls.

They are so good and kind-hearted, that you just can’t help wanting to be around them, they are such loving souls.
 
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