Christ is the light of the world. He came to dispel the darkness that envelopes the minds of fallen humankind.

We are called to be the lamp that passes on that light to the men and women of our day. But do we? When people look at us would they know we were Christians at all? Some people hide their Christianity preferring to "lead a good life" without wishing to be known as Catholics - but is this going to help anyone to come to know Christ?

It is not a question of parading our religion in an exaggerated way, but there are unobtrusive symbols: wearing a crucifix or a holy medal; having a picture, say, of the Sacred Heart on our house-door; declining to eat meat on Fridays, even when lunching with our colleagues - and explaining why.

These outwards signs are not the essentials of our religion - the examples of our own attitudes and behaviour are of far greater moment. Nevertheless, such symbolic actions can at least show a glimmer of light which could lead others to want to see more. Then we can tell them about Christ.