This weekend I continue my 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.
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 each 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
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.
HOMILY #2 – WE ARE ALL FAITH INFLUENCERS
In my second homily of the series I spoke about the need to be faith influencers for others. This happens through what we say, do, wear, the choices we make, what we buy and what we spend time on. It is similar to the very popular modern day social media influencers who so often have millions of followers and can guide, direct and encourage people to products, movements or causes. The difference is that a faith influencer does not focus on oneself, on a product or a movement—but on Christ who is the light of the world. St. John the Baptist is a perfect model for us this holy season.
St. John the Baptist is an Advent faith influencer who with great humility, love and grace leads people to the Messiah. He decreases so that the Lord may increase. We are called to do the same this Advent.
A COMMUNITY OF LIGHT FOR THE WORLD
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.
GO TELL JOHN WHAT YOU HEAR AND SEE
In the gospel this weekend, the disciples of St. John the Baptist go to Jesus and ask him if he is the Messiah, the one all were waiting for? Christ responds, “Go tell John what you hear and see; the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them.” (Matthew 11:4-5)
Rick Warren, an American evangelical pastor, once asked different Christian faith leaders this question—If your church closed up shop tomorrow, would anyone in your community not attending your church care or even notice? This is a powerful question and reminder that our family of parishes is not a private country club for us to simply rest and relax and not a place that stays the same.
During this Advent season I have been able to step back and see the powerful light we are as a family of parishes. I have seen the many ministries, programs, outreach and formation that is touching the lives of so many within and beyond our faith community. I have been moved by the generosity of countless volunteers who serve with humility and grace. I see parishioners being disciples, working together and reaching out to those in need, bringing comfort and strength. We are making a powerful difference and continue to be a shining light of God’s love for the world. Our IGNITE THE MISSION pastoral plan is taking root and becoming a reality for us all. This is good news and a true gift that continues to grow!!
