This weekend I continue a new Advent Message Series called LET THERE BE LIGHT—Opening Our Lives to the Light of the World. This is a four week series during Advent reflecting on the need for light in our lives and of course the need for Christ, who is the light of the world.
Advent is a season to make straight the pathways for the Lord. Despite the “busy-ness” of the season, we must work hard to stay focused on Christ and the gift of the incarnation—the Word made flesh who dwelt among us.
I am preaching this series in person at the 12 Noon Mass at St. Joseph Church but also at all the Masses I celebrate on the weekend. We will also of course post the homily so you can watch or listen—just go to our website (chathamcatholic.ca).
November 29/30 – EVERYBODY NEEDS LIGHT
December 6/7 – LIGHT TO OTHERS—INDIVIDUALS
December 13/14 – LIGHT TO OTHERS—COMMUNITY
December 20/21 – LAST MINUTE INVITATIONS
HOMILY #1 – WE ALL NEED LIGHT
Last weekend, 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—(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!!
JOHN THE BAPTIST—GOD’S INFLUENCER
An “influencer” can be described as one who exerts influence—a person who inspires or guides the actions of others. In our modern times, we can also understand this describing—a person who is able to generate interest in something by posting about it on social media.
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.
This weekend, as we celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent, we are introduced to St. John the Baptist. The man who went out into the desert to prepare the way of the Lord by calling the people to repentance. John the Baptist was the last of the great Old Testament prophets who became the bridge from the hope for the Messiah to finally proclaiming his arrival.
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.
WE ARE ALL INFLUENCERS
I pray that during this Advent season, we recognize the fact that we are all influencers for Christ. As faithful disciples, we are called to lead others to Jesus through the way we act, what we choose, what we say, where we live, what we buy and how we treat others. So often we get caught up taking care of ourselves that we do not radiate God’s light and lead others to Christ—this is why we need repentance.
Repentance is all about change. It means a change of mind that leads to a change in heart that results in a change of direction. When we experience this change we can then lead people to the light of Christ and influence others through grace.
We begin right where we are (being where God wants us to be), seeing each moment as an opportunity and realize that we all have a certain degree of influence. Being an influencer for Christ offers greater meaning in our lives and takes place in simple, quiet, generous and meaningful ways one person at a time. May we all lead others to Christ!!
