Shine your light

Wellington Waterfront and Kina artwork.

Greetings from Wellington and this first Sunday Sharing for 2026.

I arrived in Wellington a week ago and I am in my new Marist Community at Pa Maria in Thorndon. I took advantage of the beautiful sunny day last Thursday and took a few photos at the waterfront. I hadn't seen this particular artwork before. The light was stunning.

Here is another shot of the harbour looking towards St Gerards.

The Gospel this Sunday is taken from Matthew 5:13-16. Jesus addressing his disciples says, 'You are the light of the world.' That light is not to be hidden but to shine out in the sight of others to inspire and move them to give praise to God. That is the power of Christian witness.

Are we able to hear Jesus address these words to us today. Hear him call you by name and say, 'My beloved, you are the light of the world.' Savour that moment and notice your response.

How have we revealed the light of Christ recently?

I attended the wonderful Eucharist at St Mary of the Angels for Waitangi Day on Friday. The celebrant chanted the consecration in Maori which was very moving and beautiful. Light shone through that moment.

I struck up a conversation with a family visiting from Canada sharing in the morning tea after the Mass and the family asked for my blessing when I was about to go. I prayed with them and light shone through that moment.

Renewing friendships and experiencing hospitality on my return to Wellington is another experience of light shining through people of faith.

Thinking about what song I could share with you this week reminded me of a song entitled, 'You are a star,' which features on the album, 'Golden Light.' The song was inspired by a Dominican sister friend of mine here in Wellington some years ago now. It was the expression she often used when someone had done a good turn. Given her generosity, witness and reassuring presence, I always thought the expression best described her. I have included the lyrics with this sharing. I think the song captures something of our Gospel and Jesus calling us to be light of the world. For those who have just received this sharing for the first time, click on the title of the song and you will be able to listen to it.

Blessings on your week.

You are a star

Your light is shining

Your light is shining

Like a star shining

Over me

Despite the troubles that we face

Despite the pressure and the pace

The constant sacrifice you make

And all the things I take for granted

You’ve always been there through it all

Ready to catch me when I fall

And when my back’s against the wall

You’re the one beside me

You are a star

You give amazing light

You fill the darkest night

I feel you burning bright

You are a star

Loving the best in me

Shining for all to see

You are a star

Although sometimes I’ve gone astray

You give me hope along the way

And when I’m lost for words to say

I feel your strength and that’s enough for me

At times I’m judged for what I do

But there’s no judgement come from you

Your guiding light will see me through

I want the world to know