Remember when daytime running lights were new? I remember a commercial with a person was driving during the day and people kept near missing the car, but stopping to shout, “Hey buddy, your lights are on!”

The irony was amusing.

Now we know daytime running lights are a good thing. That shine is enough to make your vehicle more noticeable. But when they first came out, people thought they were doing a favor by telling others to turn their light off. Why hide the light if it’s a good thing?

Are Your Lights On?

It’s similar to our faith. Yes, I’m making a cars to faith comparison. Stick with me here.

We don’t mind praying in church. Many of us like singing in church (yours truly very much.) But how far are willing to shine? Are we willing to be noticed, even pointed out, so it’s clear we’re faith filled Catholics? Or are we afraid of confrontation, going against the grain, or sticking out?

It’s a reasonable question. After all, many people aren’t comfortable debating and there’s many who look for a fight these days. It’s a hostile world, but then… It’s always been a hostile world. Only a hostile world would crucify an innocent man.

“If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.” (John 15:18)

Is Your Catholicism Showing?

Take this quiz to see how bright your Catholicism shines. Tally up your points to your corresponding selection.

Q1: When it comes to Mass:

1. 1. You work your Sunday plans around Mass.
   2. You take time from work for Mass on Holy Days of Observation.
   3. You attend daily Mass or as much as you physically can.

Q2: How’s your Christmas decorating?

1. 1. You put up the nativity at Christmas.
   2. You keep your nativity scene and your Christmas tree up until at least New Year’s Day.
   3. You have multiple nativities, including one lit up on the front lawn, and they stay up through Candlemas (February 2^nd).

Q3: How about daily prayer?

1. 1. 1. You pray before meals at home.
      2. You pray before meals openly at restaurants.
      3. You pray in public places, asking others to join you.

Q4: It’s important to honor our Mother.

1. 1. 1. 1. You pray the Rosary occasionally.
         2. You pray the Rosary daily.
         3. You pray the Rosary in public rallies and hand out Rosary beads.

Q5: Parish participation time!

1. 1. You and/or your kids attend Religious Education and/or volunteer at your parish sometimes.
   2. You and your family volunteer at Mass regularly (alter server, usher, choir, etc.).
   3. You participate in parish trips to holy places like shrines or on pilgrimages.

Q6: It’s the thought that counts.

1. 1. You send Mass cards to friends and family for their deceased loved ones.
   2. You send Mass cards for birthdays and other holidays.
   3. You give gifts of religious nature like Saint images or blessed items.

Q7: Home is where the heart is.

1. 1. You have a crucifix in your home.
   2. You have a crucifix and a quiet prayer space in your home.
   3. You have multiple crucifixes in your home and a prayer space with saint images and candles.

Results:

1-7 The flicker is alive! You’re Catholic. Don’t be afraid to admit it. Keep going deeper in your faith. The journey’s just begun.

8-14 Steady beam. You have a solid knowledge of the basics and a good sense for the deeper roots of the Catholic faith.

15-21 The beacons are lit! The beacons are lit! Someone might mistake you for a religious nut… Awesome!

God: the Ultimate Light Show

The numbers don’t really count. The point is to not be ashamed to be a follower of Jesus Christ whether you own a single crucifix, are shy about praying in public, or have a six foot Nativity displayed on your front lawn blinding your neighbors. There’s room for the quiet Catholics and the… boisterous type. Most of us fall in the middle.

Truly though, only God knows our hearts and it’s the Holy Spirit that does the shining. We have to let the Lord take control. He’ll tell us what to do and how to do it. Sometimes we need to let God speak instead of us. We just need to obey. That’s the hard part.

So go ahead and let that light shine. People will notice and that’s okay. It might even help them see where they’re going.

(Psst! Hey there, what would you add to this quiz for fun?)