Charles Spurgeon, a renowned 19th-century Baptist preacher, once observed, “The Bible is not the light of the world; it is the light of the Church. But the world does not read the Bible; the world reads Christians! You are the light of the world.” 

I found this quote to be enlightening and something that Christians often forget—we are the light of the world, not by what we say, but, more often, by what we do. It reminds me the hymn we sometimes sing in church, They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love.

How do we show our love? We are all called to show our love. It is not just up to those in the priesthood or ministry, or religious life to show Christian love, it is up to all of us, religious, married or single—we all have a vocation in life and that vocation is how we show our light to the world.

February of course, is known for being the month for love (and not just by Valentine cards, flowers, and candy). In fact, Feb 9 is World Marriage Day. We celebrate this month especially those in the vocation of marriage.

I personally was blessed to be in a marriage that lasted almost fifty-nine years until I lost my husband. People often asked us what is the secret to a long, happy marriage. I usually answered that marriage is not all fairy-tale, happily ever after stuff, it is work, it is endurance, and commitment, but for us it came down to three things—our faith in God, a good sense of humor, and a great sexual relationship. And none of these was mutually exclusive of the other! That may sound flippant, but it was true for us.  

One of the things that helps a good marriage become a great marriage, can be the Worldwide Marriage Encounter movement. It helps foster dialogue and work on building an even greater relationship. It doesn’t mean you’re never going to argue or have that fairly-tale happily ever after life, but it helps you communicate better and helps your relationship grow. I know it helped us become even closer. There is also Engaged Encounter for those about to be married.

If you are in a troubled marriage, there is the Retrouvaille movement. A retreat experience to help with a troubled marriage. If you know people who have experienced either of these experiences, talk to them and you will find out more. Or look up their websites to find a local contact and learn more. Worldwide Marriage Encounter – Experiences for Married Couples, Catholic Engaged Encounter, Inc., or Retrouvaille – A Lifeline For Married Couples.

So, whatever your vocation in life is, enjoy February as the “month of love” and continue being light for world, all year long.