Torchbearers

This past Friday, the 2026 Winter Olympic games commenced in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo; central, of course, to the Olympic games, aside from the pomp and circumstance of the opening ceremony, the vibrant expression of national pride, and the world-class, elite athleticism on display, is the Olympic flame. The flame was lit on November 26^th in ancient Olympia, and has traveled throughout Italy for the past two months on its way to Milan. One quick look through the @milanocortina Instagram account reveals the complete joy felt by the torchbearers. In the wide range of interviews, each new torchbearer, all of whom are connected in some way to the games, expresses their pride, gratitude, and energy for carrying the flame on even one step of its journey. And on Friday night, that flame arrived in its new home, where it will burn throughout the competition of the next three weeks, signaling the connection of this event to all past Olympic games and the unity of the athletes competing. 

I share all this because every once in a while, the liturgical and secular calendars converge to a lovely overlap of theme and message. In the Gospel today, Christ informs the disciples that they are the light of the world. Importantly, he says “your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly father.” The first reading from Isaiah reinforces this dictate, declaring that “your light shall break forth like the dawn.” The psalm follows the same note, announcing that “the just man is a light in darkness to the upright.” The days are still short, the temperatures chilly, the sun fleeting. This set of readings arrives at a perfect seasonal moment, inviting us to be light in the midst of winter’s gloom. 

To me, the Olympics are full of people being the light of the world. For the next few weeks, as that flame burns bright, athletes from all around the world will give their all in their chosen sport, some with years of experience and expertise, others breaking into new ground and honoring their country with their courage. I always find myself thinking about the parents who drove those kids to lessons, to practices, to games and tournaments and competitions. I think about the coaches who nurtured their skills, who pushed them to try new things, who urged them to believe in themselves. I think about the hours and hours and hours of practice, of training, of stretching, of physical therapy and injury recovery. I think of the countless people behind each individual athlete, each of whom bore their light proudly and confidently. I can’t help but tear up; what a beautiful image of being light to the world, of sharing light with one another. As we watch these winter Olympians compete, fully themselves, fully alive, shining their light before others, may we be inspired to light our own torches and to share our light with the world. 

Today's Readings