Out Of Darkness Into Light!
“They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart….” – Ephesians 4:18
Imagine the Apostles chastising the Ephesians with these words. What would Paul and his companions say to us today?
After centuries of reading and hearing about the authority of Jesus and His Church, we still struggle in the darkness of our ignorance. Those who have been enlightened are challenged to share the good news! Our knowledge of God’s love must be shared; this is evangelization! Those who are alienated from God need people to share His love. So, do not let your hearts be hardened when you hear God calling you to witness.
The mediocrities of practicing Catholics, especially those in our family, provide an opportunity to share real love just as the Apostles did. No one wants the people they love to be excluded from a life with God. We all have so much to learn, and the examples of the Saints remind us that human nature is prone to making mistakes. But the love of God is always there to lift us up again, with open arms, in the beautiful Sacrament of Reconciliation.
St. Peter denied Jesus three times, and his failure must have caused him great anguish; but he continued to follow Jesus by living in His love. At some point in life we have all failed someone; but when there is openness to forgiveness, true life in God continues. Peter was rewarded with the keys to the Kingdom! We should all strive for such honor!
The greatest love you can share with someone is an understanding of the gift of faith. We live in a world filled with good versus evil. The best weapon in the battle is our faith and trust in God.
In spiritual things we are sometimes not well equipped for the challenge; but the desire to learn will empower you, and there are many ways to prepare. St. Paul also told the Ephesians: “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” Put simply; spend time with Jesus every day!
Please understand that this is a lifelong journey, and we are all in this together. There is darkness, but the light of Christ is in all of us. In Scripture we read that, “the Word was made flesh and now dwells among us.” By faith God dwells in our hearts, but we must nurture the relationship with Him. This will sustain us.
After 12 years of Catholic education, it was surprising to me how little I really understood about the Church. In 1996, my pastor at Sacred Heart in Vincennes, Fr. Jim Blessinger, gave me a copy of The Catechism of the Catholic Church. The book helped answer many questions that I once could not respond to, especially when my children had questions.
It is good to have tools to help you out of the darkness. The light continued to be revealed to me as I taught a Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults class at Wabash Valley Correctional Facility. The material I used to teach those joining the Church should be required reading for all those attending Mass each weekend.
The beautiful gesture from Fr. Jim began a journey of new learning for me, which continues today. The Catechism of the Catholic Church may never make the best sellers' list, but if you are looking for a great gift that keeps on giving, it should be on your list for purchase. We may never have all the answers we need, but if our hearts are open, Jesus will light the path to understanding. To have a personal relationship with Jesus, you need only help others see Jesus in you – that is evangelization! Amen!
Zoe Cannon
Morgantown, Ind.
Sts. Francis and Clare Parish
