Citizens of the Light

Living in the Light of the Word of God that is shared and proclaimed becomes the source of faith and basis of communion within communities. This is symbolized in the logo of the current Year of the Parish as Communion of Communities, wherein the Bible along with the Bread and the Chalice, is at the center, to nourish and build up communion. The sun rays symbolize the lighted Christ that shines in the life of the members of various communities making up the parish—the “agents of communion, participation and mission in forming the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs).”

There is a need to be part of the works of evangelization, prayerful sanctification and liturgical celebration towards social transformation in making the Kingdom of God—a kingdom of truth, justice, freedom, peace, and forgiveness—a reality. Like Mary who offered Jesus at the Presentation of the Lord, we offer back our lives to the Father by living in His will. Mary too “presents” each of us to the Lord, moving us to offer all our sufferings in reparation for sin. Let us join her in bearing His light in our hearts and communicating this faith-fully to others.

Jesus who became one of us, offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice to save us (cf. Heb 2: 14-18). Like Mary, we who have received the Lord Jesus into our hearts joyfully carry His light into the dark world. “All of you are citizens of the light and the day; we do not belong to night and darkness. Since we belong to the day, let us be sober, let us put on the breastplate of faith and love, and let the hope of salvation be our helmet. May the God of Peace make you holy and bring you to perfection. May you be blameless, in spirit, soul and body, till the coming of Christ Jesus our Lord” (1 Thes 5: 5, 8, 23).