The challenges are immense, even overwhelming. Facing the sheer depth of despair, anxiety, helplessness, and fear in the world and in the Church can make us discouraged.

Very quickly we begin to hear the lie creep in, “This is all too much. What can you do? You are insignificant and small. Besides, you’re just a lay person, and a sinful one at that.”

But it isn’t up to us! We aren’t being asked to save the world. We are being asked to point to the one who saves the world—Jesus Christ.

Jesus alone can conquer all the misery and brokenness of life, but He invites us to help announce His Good News. In a special way, Jesus calls the lay faithful to be “a sign and source of hope and of love” by living every moment of our lives pointing to Him (CFL, No. 7).

If given completely to God, our everyday, seemingly ordinary life can become a beacon of light that the Lord uses to save those lost in darkness.