THE LIGHT OF HOPE TO THE HOPELESS

In a world often clouded by darkness—poverty, loss, brokenness, and despair—there remains a light that never dims: the light of Christ. He is the beacon that guides the hopeless to healing, restoration, and purpose. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible calls us to not only embrace this light for ourselves but to carry it to others, especially to the poor and downtrodden. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus proclaims, “You are the light of the world. let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” This light is not ours to hoard; it is a gift to be shared, especially with those wandering in the shadows.Throughout Scripture, God’s heart for the poor is unmistakably clear. Proverbs 19:17 reminds us, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” The poor are not just a category of people in need; they are precious in God’s sight, and we are called to be their advocates and their family. In aiding them, we offer not just bread and shelter, but the Bread of Life and the Shelter of Christ’s love. It is through our compassion and testimony that the hopeless can see the radiance of a Savior who has not forgotten them.In the town of Lourdes, there was once a small, tattered church in a forgotten corner of a sprawling city. Few knew of its existence, and even fewer walked through its doors. But each night, an old man named Elias would open the doors wide and light a single lantern in the sanctuary window. To those wandering the streets, it was nothing more than a flicker. But to one young addict named Jordan, it was a sign that someone was still awake—someone still cared. One bitter winter night, Jordan, exhausted and hungry, stumbled through the church doors. Elias offered him a warm meal, a blanket, and quiet company. Over the weeks that followed, Elias shared the story of Christ—the Light that never burns out. Jordan wept as he heard of a Savior who knew his pain and bore his shame. Slowly, through prayer and love, Jordan found hope, purpose, and eventually, faith. That church, and the simple light in its window, became a lighthouse for many who thought they had no place to belong.The call to be light to the hopeless is not reserved for the powerful or the eloquent. It is the mission of every believer. Whether it’s sharing a meal, offering a listening ear, or speaking the name of Jesus to someone in despair, these acts kindle the divine flame of hope. As Jesus declared in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” In bringing the hopeless to Christ, we offer them not just relief, but resurrection.Let us be the lantern in the window—the light in the alleyways and prisons, the voice of peace in chaotic places. When we extend the love of Christ to the poor and hopeless, we do more than perform charity. We participate in a holy mission: to guide souls from darkness into the glorious light off salvation. And in doing so, we reflect the heart of God, who never forgets the forgotten.At Veronica Onyeneke Foundation, it is our role to uphold in high esteem, the dignity of humanity, seeing in each the essence of God. It is our duty to ignite them through the illumination of their mind with the gifts granted to us by Christ.Be the Light that shines forth..

BENO ✍️.