Ev’rywhere I go, I’m goin’ let it shine
Ev’rywhere I go, I’m goin’ let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine *

Dear reader—

What is sacred text?

I believe most people can agree that religious canon—for example. the Holy Bible, the Torah, the Koran—are most obviously sacred text. Taking it further, we can say that well established pieces—including hymnody—also may serve the purpose of canon to teach, inspire, guide us in a life of faith.

In the Episcopal Church tradition, our faith is facilitated by The Book of Common Prayer, especially by what it calls the three-legged stool: Scripture, tradition, reason.**

Today—among other clergy, undoubtedly—I have in mind a well-known hymn inspired by Christian canon: This Little Light of Mine.

Its idea is prompted directly from Matthew’s Gospel for today, in which Jesus says, “You are the light of the world.”

Ev’rywhere I go, I’m goin’ let it shine
Ev’rywhere I go, I’m goin’ let it shine
Everywhere I go, I’m goin’ let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Similarly, a bit later, he says, “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works…”

This Little Light of Mine has enjoyed broad usage,  as a children’s song, or as a song of political resistance as when it was used at the 1964 Democratic National Convention.

I don’t know how it touches you, but for me, I hear this message: Whatever talent, whatever gift, you’ve been given, use it. And it with all of your heart. It isn’t ours to measure and to dismiss, but rather to use for the good God’s people.

Listen to NPR audio (click here)

This idea shapes what belief looks like, what ministry looks like. Never mind the bigness and littleness of our gifts. Put it out there. Go all in. Let God sort it out.

In my neighbor’s home, I’m goin’ let it shine
In my neighbor’s home, I’m goin’ let it shine
In my neighbor’s home, I’m goin’ let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

*This Little Light of Mine, African American spiritual, 19th century. Number 221 in Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing, a hymnal of The Episcopal Church.