Dear friends in Christ

In the Gospel of the Mass this Sunday, Saint Matthew reminds us of the prophecy of Isaiah which said that the Messiah would give light to the whole world. The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light…Jesus brings the radiance of truth to the world, and a supernatural clarity to minds which no longer want to remain in darkness, ignorance and error. As he begins his public ministry, Jesus called His first Apostles as He went along the Sea of Galilee. He infuses a new light into their lives. Fishermen from Galilee, they followed Him and in turn enlightened the lives of others. We too are called to go after Him and bring the same light and life of Jesus to those we meet. Most of the time this will not need the use of clever words to convince the world, but simply by the witness of a holy life: a life lived in accordance with the Gospel. This is manifest in the considerate way we treat others, the integrity with which we do our professional work, the example of fidelity in our marriage and family relationships, the detachment from this world. All of these virtues, lived-out before the world are the most eloquent demonstration of a friendship with Jesus Christ. In the face of all of the troubles, tragedies and dramas that are being played-out around us, we can still have a serene confidence that God is in control. I love some words of Saint Thomas More: The times are never so bad that a good man can make shift to live in them.

God bless you!

Msgr Kevin Hale