Following the "light from the star"

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Feast of the Epiphany is so important to the Church that we celebrate an octave of the Epiphany, just as we celebrate an octave of Christmas. As I ponder again the beautiful account in Matthew’s Gospel of the Magi following the light of the star which led them to “the Child with His Mother”, I am likewise continuing to ponder an excellent homily from our priest in residence which he preached yesterday.

He reminded us that as baptized Catholics we are chosen to be like that star which leads others to Christ. He reminded us that the culture of today is very dark indeed but we are to carry the Light of Christ into the darkness. We are not the light, but like “little stars” we can reflect His light. We can speak of Him by word and example to those around us. Many are waiting for, perhaps even searching for, that Light and do not see it yet.

He asked us to consider those in our family or among friends and associates at work or school who need “us” to shine the Light of Christ into their minds and hearts. I could not help but think of Mary, to whom the Popes have given the title “Star of the New Evangelization”. Like us, she herself is not God but she reflects His Light to all. She carried Him for nine months physically within and we are privileged to carry The Resurrected Christ physically within for only as long as the physical elements of Eucharist remain, but we continue to carry Him spiritually as Mary did all her life.

Let us begin in this new 2016, today, to be more conscious of the Light of Christ we have been given both to sanctify us and to spread His light to others. Let us be more and more like Mary that we may be more and more like Christ – who told us:

You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father. (Mt. 5:14 - 16)

Father also reminded us that the Light of the Church in general has grown dim. The numbers of non practicing Catholics is staggering. By God’s grace, let us not be lazy or unfaithful servants but burning with Love for Him and our brothers and sisters let us begin, by the power of His Holy Spirit to spread His light and dispel the darkness.

 

[GEddie]

It shouldn’t be a surprise to anybody that hordes in the Church are backsliding. Our Reformational fellow-sinners have at times used the size of the Church as an argument against it: A “narrow gate” wouldn’t pass a thousand-million people, so they say; but in Scripture, it is not the size of the organizational body, but the faithful remnant that win through.

ICXC NIKA.

 

[MariaChristi]

It shouldn’t be a surprise to anybody that hordes in the Church are backsliding. Our Reformational fellow-sinners have at times used the size of the Church as an argument against it: A “narrow gate” wouldn’t pass a thousand-million people, so they say; but in Scripture, it is not the size of the organizational body, but the faithful remnant that win through.

ICXC NIKA.

Dear ICXC NIKA,

Thanks for your reply. It is important for all of God’s children to care that some have left the Table of His Eucharist and ceased to practice the Faith He gave us. It makes it imperative for us to be sure we are not leading any one astray but rather growing in Christ ourselves and being unafraid to let His Light shine through us so that our Father may be glorified.

It is certainly no surprise to God, but it is astounding to me to see the speed with which the numbers of Catholics have dropped. It is sad even when one person does not live the life he was given in Baptism. We are chosen to live and carry on the mission of Jesus, and we are given tremendous gifts to carry out that mission, growing continually in grace as Mary and the saints have done.

This thread is not intended to discuss or debate the many possible causes for so many Catholics ceasing to grow in the Faith and/or who’ve left the Catholic Church, but rather to spur on those who have been seeking to grow and help others to grow to a mature faith in Christ. Many years ago I remember a holy priest who taught us theology in college, saying: “God’s Mercy flows more and more into us as we seek to share His Mercy with others.” That may be especially good for us to remember in this year of Mercy.

God desires all to be saved. May Christ’s Love compel us to go and make disciples (Mt 28). By His Grace may we remain in His Word and Sacraments to have His Light Shining brightly in the world which grows darker. If we are not living His Truth, our words will mean nothing to those in the world. If we live lukewarm lives the light will grow dimmer!