Deacon Tom Writes.
“You Light Up My Life”
In our first reading
the prophet Isaiah says that God will make of him “a light to the nations that my salvation will reach to the ends of the
earth”. It is extraordinary that God singles out people to play a unique
role in Salvation History. Today on this Feast of the Nativity of John the
Baptist we recall how God used John as His instrument to “Prepare the way of the Lord”. The gospel tells the story of John’s
birth.
Following that
notion that God chooses individuals to suit His purpose, we are familiar with
the story of St. Paul and, how after his conversion, he becomes an avid witness
to the gospel, spreading the good news of our salvation through much of the
ancient world. In his letter to the Ephesians St. Paul asks them to pray for
him that he might be able to, “open (his)
mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel for which I am an
ambassador in chains, so that I may have the courage to speak as I must”
(EPH 6:19).
Isaiah, St. John,
and St. Paul are courageous men of faith and their accomplishments are
remarkable. In reality, however, we are all called by God to be His instruments
in making known His saving work. We are called to add our own testimony of how
God is working in our lives, helping us not only during those difficult times
but also when things are going well and we are enjoying the good things God has
given us.
We don’t need to
suffer martyrdom to be a witness of our faith. Living simple, holy lives is
sufficient. Witness in the form of living the beatitudes, being authentic in
living the words of the “Our Father” by
forgiving others who “trespass against
us”, by praising God and thanking Him for “Our daily bread” keeps us rooted in the spiritual realm and is the
source of the light that we called to reflect in the world.
Like Isaiah, Jesus, John and Paul, let that
light who illumines our lives shine brightly, “that (others) may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father”
(MT 5:16).
Have a fun and safe
summer!!
Deacon Tom
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