Light of Life: Weekly Message for 12-05-17

Dear Friends in Christ,

The Northern Hemisphere sees its shortest glimpses of sunlight in December.

How fitting it is then, in this dim month, that the Church celebrates three feasts that point to the light of new life.

First there is the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, marking the start of the life of the sinless Mary who would carry Jesus in her womb.

Next comes the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and its image of a pregnant Mary, a miraculous reminder of her privilege as a living tabernacle.

Later we celebrate the Fruit of that tabernacle who is born in Bethlehem.

The arrival of Mary in the world; the gestation and birth of Jesus – how humbly God begins his noblest works. In silence and obscurity does the Almighty prefer to work to renew the face of the earth.

That same kind of silent renewal continues today: in the millions of homes that quietly raise children, in the countless prayers and sacrifices that are directed heavenward.

This is all a reminder that God wants to do great work in each of us, too, quietly
and humbly.

This is where our prayer life, our sacrifices, our Masses, our little acts of charity all make a difference to help bring about the world Our Lord desires to see.

As we prepare for Christmas, this might be a good moment to add a little something extra to our day. Making time for listening to one of the meditations or reading one of the postings at rcspirituality.org could give the Holy Spirit the five loaves and two fish he desires in order to work his miracles of grace in us. Tis is the season for new life, including that of our souls.

May Advent prepare you well to welcome the light that the Babe brings at Christmas.

In Christ,
Father Edward McIlmail, LC
Ask a Priest contributor
contact@rcspirituality.org

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