This is the reason why John the Baptist made such a great impact with so many. He provided a way in which people could understand that not all is bad, that God is very near to them. As a matter of fact he was literally physically with them in Jesus Christ. Jesus provided the hope that many were longing for. He provided a way of living that changed people’s lives and empowered them to develop their full potential and in turn to help others to do the same.
He brought those who were caught up in destructive life styles into life by providing mercy and dignity. He brought the sick and the wounded out of the darkness of pain and illness into the light of wholesome healing. He gradually led Zaccheus from a life immersed in greed and selfishness into a realization of the importance of justice and in sharing what one has with others. He gradually brought Martha and Mary out of the darkness of grief and despair because of the death of their brother into the light of hope and life. He brought the good thief out of the darkness of hopelessness into the light of eternal life. Indeed Jesus was truly a light in the midst of darkness.
He is still my light today. He is still my hope and my guide today. He still invites me to let him walk into these areas of my life that needs his healing touch so that I may be led out of my darkness to enjoy His light and His peace. Robert Galea, one of our seminarians has just released his second CD. One of the songs that really hit my spirit is entitled “At the Foot of the Cross”. He will be singing this song during the celebration of the Way of the Cross which is a key event during the World Youth Day. One verse is particularly striking and powerful. “There is room for you at the foot of the cross”. Wherever you are, whenever you want and irrespective of the situation that you might find yourself in at the present moment, Jesus invites you to load Him with your hurts and negativity so that He will bless you in turn with His life, with His Touch, with His Peace.
“Lord Jesus Christ, here I am today at the table of the Eucharist. You know exactly what is going on in me. You know what I am experiencing at the moment. I come before you – Take my heartaches, my difficulties, my doubts and my fears. Instead you fill me with your Healing Touch and with your healing peace. Lord, I long for you and I desire to experience you in my life in a powerful manner. You be the light in my darkness. You inflame me with the power of your Presence”. Be open to our God. Be honest with our God. There is surely a place for you and for everyone at the foot of the cross.
My friends, Jesus never promised that He will take away our crosses but He surely has taught us how to carry that cross. He has taught us by His own example, that our difficulties can be turned into powerful means of blessings for ourselves and for others. Crosses are not there to crush us, but they help us realize our full potential to be a source of encouragement and healing to others.
The Australian of the Year is Lee Kernaghan a country singer. For more than a decade, he has raised over a million dollars for people who are struggling in our rural communities. Our prime minister remarked that Lee’s music connect us. “to the spirit of the bush, but more importantly he gives hope and pride to those on the land when they need inspiration most”. In the same vein, I would like to acknowledge the countless men and women in our diocese who are working continuously and selflessly to provide practical and immediate help to all these families who are hit so hard by the recent drought. While trying to overcome the negative effect of the drought, this exercise has brought many people together to help so many.
Another worthy recipient of the Australia Day awards are Glen McGrath and his wife Jane. Together they have turned Jane’s battle with breast cancer into something positive for others. The McGrath Foundation raises funds to provide the necessary medical care especially nurses for breast cancer patients. Such courage in the midst of adversity brings into relief the very face, the heart and the sentiments of Jesus Christ our God. Luke Jesus we are also called to be light in the midst of darkness.
Let us never underestimate what we can do. Every act of charity, every word of encouragement, every time we walk with each other in time of joy and in time of need, every time we are faithful to our responsibilities, we are bring light in the midst of darkness. It is very easy to be overwhelmed by darkness, it is very tempting to give up. It is very easy to let ourselves be carried by the misfortunes that we encounter. Because of Jesus Christ, alive in us, let us not simply curse he darkness, but let us light up a light. It may be small. It may not seem too much, but at least it is a sign that what seems to be a tragedy can be turned into a triumph.
We are truly the people described in the first reading of today from the prophet Isaiah. We are the people who walked in darkness but now we have seen a great light: Jesus Christ. Yes, we are also the people who at times might have lived in the land of deep shadows but now a light has shone on us: Jesus Christ. Let us always remember who we are in Jesus Christ our God.
God Bless
