Purim and Holi Remind Us to Bring Light to Dark Places

Overnight, both the Sunshine Coast Jewish community and the Sunshine Coast Indian Community began some of the most vibrant and poignant festivals of faith - both celebrating the power of love and light over evil and hate.

In Purim, Jewish Australians remember the courage of Esther and Mordecai, who saved a generation of Jews from Haman's attempted massacre. The scourge of antisemitism is ancient, but so too is the fierce love and bravery of the Jewish people.

In Holi, the Hindu community remembers the love of Radha and Krishna, and the victory of Vishnu over the festering hate of Hiranyakashipu. There is nothing stronger - or more vivid - than love!

I can't help but think of the words of St Francis of Assisi: "All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle."

After a challenging couple of weeks for so many, I have seen so many Points of Light shine through. May we always to choose to bring light to dark places.