The ancient prophecy of Isaiah has come to be fulfilled, “The people who sat in darkness have a seen a great light.” This is not just a historical note, but is a reality that continues to take hold over our life. We walk through the darkness of isolation, grief, or a world that is divided. Nevertheless, it is Christ who enters as the Dawn which never sets.
January 25th also serves as the date for the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul. He was moved from the darkness of persecution to the light of Christ on the road which led to Damascus. Paul’s life serves to us as a reminder that nobody is beyond the reach of God’s grace. We are called to join with Paul in encountering such a light which comes in order to transform our heart.
In our Epistle Saint Paul pleads there there be “no dissensions among you” in order that we may always be “united in the same mind and the same judgement.” It is unity which allows the light of faith to burn brightly. It is division which causes such light to flicker thus poorly effecting our homes, city, country, and world.
As a Church we remain united as one diocesan family under the unity of our bishop and our holy father, Leo. Through such unity the great light of Christ shines brightly for the world to see. Next weekend our diocese we observe the annual bishop’s appeal for ministries which allows each of us to join the efforts of the diocese in order that they may continue to be made manifest.
Through this appeal many ministries come to be supported through your generosity. We are able to provide “light” to the seminarians discerning their call to priesthood and support those in deacon formation. We bring “light” to those who find themselves in need through the support of Catholic Charities and the Mobile Medical Clinic.
Together we are also able bring “light” to our youth and young adults. Our culture often presents a dim outlook, but the Church provides a brilliant light through the truth of the Gospel. This includes providing for the needs of Christian Faith Formation where we assist our children in finding their footing on this path which leads to holiness.
Each gift when gathered which others become a fire which brings forth hope to those who encounter it. It must be our fervent hope that all come to discover this great light which comes to us from Christ. So many have thrust down into darkness and it is Christ alone who can lift them out of it.
Let us ask for the grace of a true conversion in order that we may be like Saint Paul who beheld the great light of Christ. Let us join with our bishop in supporting the annual bishop’s appeal for ministries in order that we may join within the unity of this diocese by supporting those many ministries which make it up ensuring that through our unified support, more souls may be lifted out of darkness and into the light of Christ.
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