God is the Light

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Today’s Gospel reading is a continuation of the parable of the Good Shepherd. (John 10:22-30). It is the Jewish Festival of Lights (Hanukkah) and the Jews are questioning Jesus: “If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." They want a sign from him that he is who he claims he is. Jesus replies not only have I told you, but I showed you, I performed miracles for you and you still don’t believe. He says to them, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” But these Jews lacked faith; they did not believe that Jesus was the Good Shepherd. On this day of the Festival of Lights, Jesus tells them that he is the Light of the World yet they can not see him. We as Christians are called to respond to the voice of God. In darkness, God is the light that will show us the way. We must have faith and trust in God. God’s light will lead us away from the darkness. The calm of his voice will save us from despair and evil. Once we have found the Lord and entered his flock, he protects us from eternal damnation. There is only one shepherd, the Good Shepherd, which can provide this everlasting peace and security. His love embraces us and holds us close to him. This does not mean that we will not get sick, that we will not experience pain or that we will not suffer. But by following God through these trials, he will lead us to the gates of Heaven.

A Simple Prayer

"Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd.

I place all my hope and trust in you,

that you will lead me from the temptations of evil.

It is through you that I will find my way to the gates of Heaven.

You are my guiding light, show me the way.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon