This light of mine

The Christmas season is very hard for a great many people.  As much joy as it can be, it can also be an equal part sadness.  I am not even talking about people who can’t afford gifts for their children, but that is and can be a part in sadness too.  I am talking about the feeling of disconnect that feels so prevalent in our society.  There are people who do not feel ‘a part’ of anything. For those outside of the Church, and even those inside the Church who come but do not feel unity with either the people around them or God.  It is odd to me, in a time when we can know each other’s thoughts instantly, that the spirit of divide and isolation is so rampant.  At few other times in the year is this more obvious than the season we are in now. 

The last thing you say to someone before leaving their presence is oft times the thing we want them to remember most.  Before you walk out of the door leaving the babysitter with the kids, you might remind them where the emergency contact numbers are.  Before getting on a plane you may tell the people you are leaving behind that you love them, you know just in case.  One of the last things Jesus said (John 13:34-35)  was : "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."  Now, I ask myself and you this…If we (Christians) are the largest religious group in the world right now, and this was his new command, and we are supposed to be living like Saints in training, disciples here on earth-then why should anyone feel isolated and lonely at this or any other time in the year? 

We cannot fix lonely, but God can through us.  We cannot heal the lost or sick, but God can through us.  We cannot love our enemy, but God can through us.  We cannot live in and BE light and love of the nativity and crucifixion, but if we offer ourselves to Him, God can through us.   So, I ask us all today, for whom and how are we living?  To whom are we resolved to allow God, through us, to be His light?

Are we reaching out in love to those people who only fill the pews at Christmas and Easter? Are we showing them a better way?  Are we giving of our time, talents, and gifts to those who may not know the abundance found in Christ’s love?  Are we living what we say we believe?  Through Him, with Him, and in Him, are we living the light of the Christmas spirit every day? 

Here I am, Lord, send me!

Lisa Lee Brandel, Kolbe Evangelization Commission Chair