One of the great spiritual masters, St. Ignatius, used to warn his disciples that the devil lives where there are secrets and lies. When we hear the words of Jesus to let our little light shine we usually interpret it as meaning showing off our good points. In fact, what needs to be put on the lamp stand is our authentic self, warts and all. In that way we demonstrate what God can do, even with the likes of us. The Catholic Church has discovered, in confronting the abuse scandal, the truth of the words of Jesus: “There is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light.” In the light, the grace and mercy of God is found.
