My dear friends in Christ,
What does it mean to be called a disciple of Christ? Does it mean that you have to be more than you think you are capable of being? Can you imagine what the Apostles must have felt when Jesus asked them to leave their families and follow Him and that He would make them fishers of men? The Apostles chose to follow and preach the light of Christ to people who, at times, had divisions amongst themselves. They leaped into a life of uncertainty and turmoil to give light and salvation to His people. In this Gospel we hear the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light; in those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.” How do we get out of our own personal darkness? Jesus tells us to “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Now would be a good time to repent and make use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. You might ask yourself, “When is the last time I made a good confession?” Or, “When is the last time I’ve seen the inside of a confessional box or a reconciliation room? There is no better time than this Ordinary Time to make that visit and allow yourself to come out of that darkness and into the light!
I would like to thank Gary, Jim and Jimmy for coming to my assistance last weekend when I discovered a flat tire on the driver’s side of my car due to a roofing nail being lodged deep into the tread. Your goodness was very much appreciated.
May God bless you all,
Father John