Over the Advent season, I have been preaching a special message series (homily series) called “LET THERE BE LIGHT—Opening Our Lives to the Light of the World.” (go to www.chathamcatholic.ca to watch or listen to the series) It has been a wonderful chance to invite all of us to step into the light, love, peace and joy of Christ, embarking on a new path of discipleship. Advent challenges us to repentance, or better said—to change—so that we can embrace the gift of Christ at Christmas. A chance to share the light of salvation with the world.
This series has truly helped me step into the light and appreciate more and more the grace that Jesus offers each of us. The invitation this Christmas is to accept the path the Lord has for us to share His love and Good News. Far too often we get caught up in our own path and try to convince Jesus to help us get to where we want to be. This Christmas season is an invitation for us to be part of the story of salvation and definitely not taking “centre stage”. We step into the light so that we can reflect God’s love in everything we say and do inspiring others.
HOMILY #1 – WE ALL NEED LIGHT
In my first homily of the series, I spoke about the need for light in all aspects of our lives. We need light to grow food, for energy, health, heat, safety and sight. We need to enlighten our minds with ideas, intellect and creativity. We also need the light of Christ in our hearts and souls. In fact, as faithful disciples, we are called to radiate that light for others. I concluded the homily with two challenges for us during this Advent season making Christmas more powerful and meaningful.
(1) We need to make time for the Lord this Advent season. In order for us to step into the light of God’s love, we need to make the time to stop and listen. This means we have to be quiet, open and separated from any distractions so the Lord can guide us.
(2) Advent allows us to step into the light of Christ that leads to peace. I invited all of us to consider laying down the swords of division, bitterness and anger that we have towards others seeking to truly be peacemakers in our world today. Christ’s light can truly change our lives!!
HOMILY #2—GOD’S INFLUENCER
In the second homily of the series, I reflected on St. John the Baptist—God’s influencer. We are all called to be like him, guiding people to Christ.
Social media influencers can promote, encourage and direct millions to products or causes almost instantly. Some of the top influencers in the world today include Kim Kardashian (who has over 400 million followers) and Christian Rinaldo (who has over 1 billion followers). Bishop Robert Barron, a very popular American Catholic bishop has over 4 million followers on social media.
St. John the Baptist was and still is God’s influencer guiding the people to the light of the world! He did this by where he lived (out in the desert away from the distractions of the world), what he wore and ate (simplicity and humility) and by what he said (repent, change and prepare for the coming of the Messiah). Many came out to hear John the Baptist and changed their lives yet he did not lead them to himself, but was pointing them to Christ.
HOMILY #3—A COMMUNITY OF LIGHT
In the third homily of the series, I reflected on the fact that not only are we called individually to be faith influencers in our daily lives, but the great gift of our Catholic faith beckons us to make a powerful impact as a community together.
We do not live our faith lives in isolation but are gathered together as the Body of Christ to be a powerful sign of hope, peace, joy and light right here and right now. We know that there is power in numbers and as a family of parishes, we are and continue to be a sign of the Risen Lord for all people of Chatham and surrounding area. There are countless powerful signs of the many programs, ministries and outreach taking place because of our amazing and dedicated volunteers and staff. We need more help and more people to make an even bigger impact in the city of Chatham and the world. This is what our Advent journey and the celebration of Christmas is all about—radiating God’s light!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS—A CHRISTMAS INVITATION
I want to wish everyone a joyful and peaceful Christmas. I pray that each of us consider a special invitation to make the Chatham Catholic Family of Parishes our faith home where all of us can pray together, help one another and shine the light of Christ that dispels the darkness of sin, division, fear and loneliness in our world. I pray that together we embark on a new path of holiness, faithfulness, generosity and humility that seeks to share Christ’s grace with those in most need. Let us all step into the light of Jesus this Christmas and be faithful disciples of hope each day. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
