In his later years, my grandfather’s life was anchored by a steady rhythm of frequent Mass, prayer, and spiritual reading. My grandfather knew I loved to read as a boy, and he began sending me books on Padre Pio’s life after he would finish reading them. Because my grandfather was one of my favorite people in the world, I happily read every single book he sent. After reading just a couple of books on Padre Pio, we were both growing to love this holy Capuchin friar.

My grandfather was doing more than just sharing something he loved. He was handing me a light for my path. He loved Jesus, and he loved the saints whose lives point us to Jesus. Sharing that love with me was a gift that remains a light on my path today.
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus sent out His apostles to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal. Then He tells them something strange: Take nothing. No bag. No bread. No money. Don’t even bring a change of clothes.

Jesus wasn’t sending them on mission because of their personal strengths of gifting. He was sending them because they were willing to carry His Word to others. That was everything they needed. That is the same Word that is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. They were able to bring this light to those walking in darkness. God still sends His Word to us today, through other people, to light our path.

He sends a grandfather to mail a book. He sends a friend with words you desperately need to hear. He sends a stranger with a Bible verse that brings peace to a worried heart. Thank God for the people He has sent to be messengers of light for your path. They are a precious gift from our Heavenly Father.

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Truth from Scripture:

Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105

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Wisdom from the Saints:

“Stay with me, Lord, for you are my light and without you I am in darkness.”

From Padre Pio’s famous prayer, “Stay with me, Lord”