Consider this… Brilliant Light!
This weekend we focus on Christ our light. We begin all masses by blessing candles and in a special way celebrate our First Eucharist children as they prepare to receive Jesus in a few short months by giving them a blessed candle. The prayer to bless all candles this weekend states: ‘O God, true light, who create light eternal, spreading it far and wide, pour, we pray, into the hearts of the faithful the brilliance of perpetual light, so that all who are brightened in your holy temple by the splendor of these candles may happily reach the light of your glory.’
How much light do we bring into the world? Certainly, when we light a candle we can witness the effect it has in brightness and warmth. Our goal then as Disciples is to embody the light of Christ, bringing light and warmth wherever we go. As the prayer states, perpetual light is to shine in the hearts of the faithful so we can reach the light of Jesus’ glory. How well are we allowing the radiance of Jesus’ light to shine through us? And is the light we are sharing helping others to see and feel Christ’s light and love?
I don’t know about you, but even this week I’ve noticed how that little bit of extra daylight is really making a difference. It gives me hope and helps me to look forward to summer. If each of us were to shine the light given to us through Jesus, it too would give hope.
This week the Christmas decorations will disappear from church, and the Christmas carols will end. This doesn’t mean the lights and the warmth of the decorations end, it simply means they must be more manifest through us.
This week on Friday we will have the ‘State of the Parish’ address at 6 pm in the church. For those unable to join in person, the event will be livestreamed. This is an opportunity for all of us to hear what is going on at St. Mary’s and where we are going. I encourage everyone to participate and find out about your parish and its future.
Let’s be the light – and it begins by recognizing the light we have here at St. Mary’s. There really is a lot of good happening. I invite you to be a part of it! Let’s let our light shine for all the world to see!!
Keep smiling,
Fr. Bryan