Word is a lamp to light my way

Psalm 119, at 176 verses, is the longest psalm in Scripture. Throughout its many verses, the psalmist reflects on the beauty and importance of God's Word and the guidance it provides for those seeking to live faithfully. One of my favorite passages declares: "Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path" (Psalm 119:105).

 

We know the psalmist is not speaking literally. Words do not cast light onto a dark road or illuminate a staircase. Rather, the image points to a deeper truth: God's Word helps us to see the world as God sees the world. It reveals Christ, teaches us how to live, and helps us navigate the challenges of life. But what does this look like in practice?

 

Many years ago, as a young priest, I moved into the rectory at St. Ann Church in Janesville to serve as pastor for the first time. There was much to learn in those early days. I wanted to serve the parish well and avoid mistakes, and I was also getting accustomed to a new home.

 

My bedroom was upstairs, and each morning I descended a staircase covered in deep blue shag carpet. A light above the stairs provided enough illumination to distinguish each step. At first, I turned it on every time. As the weeks passed, however, I became more familiar with the staircase.

 

Soon I was taking the steps two at a time. Before long, I stopped turning on the light altogether.

 

After all, I knew those stairs well-or so I thought.

 

Then came the morning that taught me otherwise. It was early and still dark, and I was in a hurry. As I bounded down the stairs, I misjudged the final step. In what seemed like slow motion, my ankle rolled beneath me and I crashed into the opposite wall. Pain quickly shot up my leg, accompanied by a less pleasant realization: this injury could have been avoided by something as simple as turning on the light.

 

For the next several weeks, I had plenty of time to reflect on my mistake. I had become overly confident. Familiarity had led me to believe I no longer needed the guidance that had once helped me navigate safely.

 

Isn't the spiritual life often the same? Life teaches us many valuable lessons. Parents, friends, teachers, and mentors all help shape who we are. Their wisdom is a gift. Yet God's Word offers something even deeper: a trustworthy guide for the journey of life itself.

 

The light of Christ—the eternal Word made flesh-and the wisdom found in Scripture help us see the world through God's eyes. Through the Gospels we encounter the life of Jesus. Through Proverbs, the Psalms, and the rest of Sacred Scripture, we receive wisdom, encouragement, correction, and hope. Over time, these truths shape the way we think, act, and love.

 

St. Clare of Assisi once said, "We become what we love, and who we love shapes what we become." What better way to grow as Christians than by loving and becoming more familiar with the One we seek to follow? The more we immerse ourselves in the life and teachings of Christ, the more His virtues take root within us. As St. Paul reminds us, the fruits of the Holy Spirit are "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." A life led by the lamp of God's Word and teachings will instill these fruits on our hearts.

 

The lesson I learned on that staircase was simple: confidence can sometimes lead us to neglect what we truly need. The Christian life presents a similar temptation. We may think we already know enough, that we have heard the Gospel message before, or that we can rely solely on habit and experience. Yet there is always more to learn, more room to grow, and more grace to receive.

 

So where is God's Word placed in your life? Perhaps your Bible sits in a prominent place but is rarely opened. Perhaps it rests on a tabletop, calling out as you walk by it several times each day.

 

Maybe God's Word reaches you through a daily devotional, a Scripture app on your phone, or the readings proclaimed at Mass. Whatever your circumstances, it is never too late to draw closer to God's Word.

 

Why? Because God's Word is more than a collection of ancient writings. It is the lamp that illuminates our path, helping us avoid the pitfalls we cannot always see and guiding us toward the life God desires for us. When we allow its light to shine, we discover that we never have to walk alone in the dark.