Of Ocean Gems and Desert Flowers

“Full many a gem of purest ray serene The dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear: Full many a flower is born to blush unseen And waste its sweetness on the desert air."

This stanza describing a beautiful imagery is from "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard" written by the great American poet Thomas Gray. It is one of the poems we studied in high school English Literature.

In this vast universe created by God there are numerous things of beauty other than gems lying at the bottom of the sea and are not seen by people, and beautiful flowers which bloom in the desert unseen and whose sweet smell is just wasted.

Scripture says: "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork." Ps 19:9

Man is the pinnacle of God's creation. Being made in God's image and likeness, man is the only creature of His that can best proclaim His beauty, His goodness, and therefore His glory. Of people Christ said:

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Mt 5:14-16

At our Baptism, Christ gave us His light. That light we must shine before others. If we follow Christ in our lives, we shine that light to others even if we do not say anything.

If we endeavor to follow Him daily we shall be true to the command of Christ Who is the Light of the world to be light to others, and thus proclaim His glory. That glory He promised to share with us.#