The Little Lantern’s Bright Light
Once upon a time, in a small town nestled in the hills, there was a little lantern named Leo. Leo was a special lantern, for he had a bright, warm light that could shine through the darkest nights. All the other lanterns admired Leo’s light, and the people of the town always chose him to guide them home on stormy evenings.
One day, a wise old lantern, Ollie, came to visit the small town. Ollie had traveled far and wide, and the other lanterns gathered around to hear his stories. During their conversation, Leo proudly said, “I am the brightest lantern in the town! My light can guide anyone through any darkness!”
Ollie looked at Leo with kind eyes and said, “Your light is indeed bright, Leo, but being a true light in the world isn’t just about shining when everything is easy. Sometimes, it means shining even when it’s hard, even when it might cost you something.”
“One day,” Ollie explained, “the townspeople might need you to shine your light in a place that is difficult, where it might not be comfortable for you. But if you choose to shine, even when it’s tough, you will show everyone what it truly means to be a light.”
Soon after, a great storm hit the town. The wind howled, and the rain poured down, making it hard for the people to find their way. The townspeople needed someone to guide them to safety, but the path was dangerous, filled with thorns and sharp rocks.
Leo was scared. He knew that if he went out in the storm, he might get scratched or even lose some of his brightness. But then he remembered Ollie’s words. Taking a deep breath, Leo said to himself, “I will shine my light, even if it’s hard. I want to help the people.”
With determination, Leo set out into the storm. He lit up the dark path, helping the townspeople find their way to safety. Though the journey was difficult, Leo’s light never wavered. The townspeople were saved, and when they reached the safe house, they cheered for Leo.
Ollie, who had been watching from the town, smiled and said, “Leo, you have learned what it means to be a true light. You followed the call to help others, even when it was hard, and in doing so, you showed everyone what real love and courage look like.”
Leo was tired, but his heart was full. He knew that being a light wasn’t just about shining when it was easy, but about shining when it mattered most.
Moral of the Story
True discipleship means following the call to love and serve others, even when it’s difficult. Just like Leo, we must be willing to shine our light, especially when it’s needed most.
A children’s story based on the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Christ and Jesus’ teaching on the necessity of His suffering and the call to discipleship, from the Gospel of Mark 8:27-35.