“But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, for that day to overtake you like a thief. For all of you are children of the light and children of the day.”
1 Thessalonians 5:5
Paul reassures us, over and again. We are children of the light, children of the day, walking with confidence and humility in the footsteps of Our Lord.
The light Paul is talking about is the knowledge that we live each day in anticipation of eternal life with God our Father. Each time we embrace the Gospel message of self-giving and compassion, the light becomes brighter—and the desire to share the joy of our faith becomes stronger. That is the spirit of mission: always doing more to witness God’s love, always making the candle of salvation burn brighter for someone else to follow.
As children of the light, we know we can still stumble at times. Our best intentions don’t always have the intended outcomes. When I need comfort, I often turn to the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary because they reveal who Jesus is and our path to salvation. Jesus understands that his public ministry is a mission of light, and that’s our calling, too.
• The Baptism of Jesus calls us to be open to the work of the Holy Spirit.
• The Wedding at Cana confirms that Mary is our intercessor before her Son.
• Jesus’ proclamation of the Kingdom of God is a reminder that our journey on earth is intended to create a world illuminated by compassion and justice.
• The Transfiguration announces Christ’s victory over death, light over darkness in an ultimate way that foretells our own salvation.
• The Eucharist shows us the permanence of Christ’s love and prepares us, body and soul, to share his goodness with the world.
Friend, don’t worry so much about the darkness. Just light one candle every day… and pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary with me. God has called you to light up the world. Be comforted knowing that you have the ability to share that light in ways that only you can.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Raymond J. Finch, M.M.
Prayer for 3rd Sunday
Send Your light into our world, O Lord,
to overcome the darkness of sin and death
illuminate our path, the way we should
walk that we might not stumble and fall.
By your baptism, you washed away our sin
at the wedding at Cana you restored
love and joy to our lives.
In proclaiming Your kingdom
of justice and peace
You call us to improve our world.
On Tabor You illuminated suffering
with the Eucharist You remain with us
empower us and become us.
May Your light shine brighter through us
that all shadows might disappear and the glory
of Your presence transform our world.
Amen
Prayer by Maryknoll Missioner, Father Joseph Veneroso
