Reflection: Shine like lights in the world, as you hold onto the word of life

In his homily this morning, my pastor spoke about the Papacy in 15th century. There were uncertainties about who the Pope was, with Popes in Rome, Avignon and Pisa.

Today we see the uncertainties of the election. We think of the next President whoever he may be. However there are certainties we can hold onto, certainties that will never change and will never waver:

1. God loves us and He created us as His children, His sons and daughters. This Divine affiliation never wavers. That we can be certain of.

2.  God sent His Son into the world so that we could have could have life to reestablish that connection between heaven and earth that was lost by our first parents, Adam and Eve. Christ died for our sins. That we are certain.

3. God sent the Holy Spirit to dwell among us to give us that life  This is certain.

And as we go forward today, as we celebrate the Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo, in his final homily, he said that the gift of faith is precious. It is like a little spark in the furnace. When the furnace first comes on and that little spark is there, you don't expose it to the wind, you shelter it, you close it up in the stove so it has time to generate the heat, the same is with us. 

That spark of faith is given to us. Don't expose it to the distractions. Don't expose it to darkness. Don't expose it to the winds of fears or anxieties. Through the grace of God, hold it up in your heart and as it grows and generates the heat, let it give you strength to go forward this and every day. 

The uncertainties will abound around us but we have far more certainties that motivate us. Today we hold onto those certainties. We thank God for His Presence in our life. We continue to pray for our nation and we ask God to keep us always one in faith and to keep our minds and our hearts focused on the Cross.

"...shine like lights in the world as you hold onto the word of life." Philippians 2:15-16

Do not be distracted by darkness.

Do not be afraid or anxious.

Hold onto the grace of God for strength.

Go forward in prayer every day.

Remain one in faith with God.

Keep your mind and heart on the Cross.

"With all vigilance. guard your heart for in it are the sources of life." Proverbs 4:23

"Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7