Let us be Drawn to the One True Light

December 1, 2022

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The liturgy throughout the seasons of Advent and Christmas is filled with light in the midst of darkness. Take the Rorate Caeli Mass for example, which will be held Saturday, December 3rd at 6 a.m. at Holy Family. Celebrated in the predawn hours of the morning, lit by candlelight only, the church will fill with light as the day dawns.

The symbolism of light continues all the way through to the Feast of the Purification in the Temple or Candlemas (February 22). The words of Sacred Scripture speak of light overcoming darkness as well. Here in the Northern Hemisphere, even the sun begins to show itself more. Light that is absolutely essential in our lives and for life itself on earth is more necessary for our intellect and our souls.

 Now more than ever the light of truth is needed to shed light on our troubled and confused world. As Benedict XVI reflected a number of years ago, the sun is setting on western civilization. The “day is far spent” is the general feeling in the world. Fewer and fewer people believe in God, immorality is accepted and celebrated, families are broken, ignorance of basic truths abounds, human life is seen as disposable, children are being indoctrinated to believe all kinds of strange things. No, it is not a very bright time for the world. Left to our own devices you can see that we are quickly on the way to self-destruction.

Like a good mother, Our Holy Mother the Church knows what pitiable state we find ourselves in and responds accordingly. She commends to us the words we need to pray to save us.

Aurem tuam, quǽsumus, Dómine, précibus nostris accómmoda:
et mentis nostræ ténebras, grátia tuæ visitatiónis illústra.

O Lord, we beseech thee, mercifully incline thine ears unto our prayers,
and lighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of thy heavenly visitation.

Each Christmas, Our Blessed Lord reminds us that He is still here. He comes in the Sacraments to heal us. He comes in the word and teachings of our Faith. He teaches us how to follow Him and one day reach heaven. Contrary to what the world teaches, only Christ can heal our wounds and lead us out of the darkness of ignorance into the light of truth. He comes gently and lovingly now, but will come with justice in the last days. As we await that glorious day, may we repent of our foolish ways and follow the light, for “In you are the source of life, and in your light we see light itself.” Psalm 36

I pray that we all will be drawn to the one true Light. As St. Peter writes, “You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”

I look forward to seeing you and your family in church. Please join with us to celebrate the Christmas Season! With every wish for a very Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year. I am,

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Brian Slezak

Upcoming events and suggestions to help us live in the light:

Sung Vespers: Holy Family, Sunday, December 18th at 4 p.m.
Vespers is part of the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office. Through this prayer, the people of God sanctify the day by continual praise of God and prayers of intercession for the needs of the world.
Advent Penance Services: Holy Family, Thursday, December 22nd, 2:30 - 4 p.m.
Several priests will be available to hear individual Confessions. This will not be a formal penance service, but will take place in the context of Eucharistic Adoration. See bulletin for other confession times here and in our parish network.
The Feast of the Lord’s Nativity: As you make plans to celebrate, I hope that you can also join us for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Christmas Eve - Saturday, December 24th:
4 p.m. Holy Family 6 p.m. St. Joseph Church
Christmas Day - Sunday, December 25th:
9 a.m. Holy Family (Novus Ordo) 10:30 a.m. Holy Family (Usus Antiquior)

Finally, mark your calendar as we celebrate our Patronal Feast Day!

Feast of the Holy Family - Holy Family, Friday, December 30th:
Holy Family Holy Hour from 4-4:55 p.m. Rosary recited at 4:30 p.m. Novus Ordo: 5 p.m. Potluck dinner to follow. Please bring a dish to pass. *No 9 a.m. Mass.

Other sources of Light: Daily Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration (Holy Family,
Thursdays, 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.), Divine Office, and Spiritual Reading. Additionally, Formed.org has many resources, especially for Advent and Christmas. Sign up for free! Directions are at holyfamilylittlefalls.org under LEARN.