St James Catholic Church

Dear Parishioners,

During the long winter we become keenly aware of the value of sunshine. The sun rises later in the morning and sets earlier in the afternoon, quite often it’s gray and cloudy all day. Today we hear Jesus tell his disciples that they are to shine their light for all to see, as a lamp on a lampstand does. This winter, may we spread Christ's Light to the world, bringing joy and life to darkness and gloom.

In most cases, if we give something away, we no longer have that thing. Giving food or clothing or money means our pantry or closet or bank account has less. But there are exceptions. One is light. When we open a door or window shade to allow light to spread, the light doesn't get dimmer by its source. When we light someone else’s candle with our own, our candle remains just as bright. Putting a light in a bushel basket does not conserve the light. Putting it on a lampstand widens the lit area. Spreading the light does not diminish its intensity or brightness at all. Another exception is love. Treating someone else with love does not exhaust our supply even one little bit. In fact, acts of love multiply the love with in us and in the world, engendering more and greater acts of love. In spreading light and love, we participate in God’s expansive plan for the world.

Love, Peace, Joy,

Fr. Bob