Beloved St. James family members
A hotel chain’s commercial featured one little building standing amidst a dark night. Nothing else was around. The only light in the scene came from a small lamp near the door on the porch of the building. The bulb casts enough illumination for visitors to walk up the steps and enter the building. The commercial ended with the phrase, “We’ll leave the light On for you.” Aside from its low prices, this hotel chain may be best known for its series of commercials with National Public Radio personality Tom Bodett, who closed every ad with the line “We’ll Leave the Light On for You.” A porch light is akin to a welcome sign, reminding weary travelers that there is a comfortable place still open where they can stop and rest. The light invites those passing by to come on in and escape from the dark, weary journey. This is the story of Motel 6. Motel 6 is a motel franchise with over a thousand locations that was started in 1962 in Santa Barbara, California as a lower-cost alternative.
Jesus says the lives of those who believe in Him should resemble that of a welcoming light. He told His followers, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). As believers, we are to illuminate a dark world. As Jesus directs and empowers us, “[others] may see [our] good deeds and glorify [our] Father in heaven” (v. 16). And as we leave our lights on, they will feel welcomed to come to us to learn more about the one true Light of the World - Jesus (John 8:12). In a weary and dark world, Jesus’ light always remains on. Jesus reminds us that our life should be a radiating and illuminating presence to the generations.
October first Sunday is the Edavaka mission Sunday. I thank God for all who are dedicated and participate in the parish's spiritual nurturing with good spiritual and moral charisma. I Praise God for our parish members who live a good Christian life, love the Church, and set good examples of actions and responses for generations to follow in that path. The third Sunday is the Youth Sunday. A young generation with a good spiritual life and moral qualities is an asset to every parish. The fourth Sunday is the Family Sunday. Family is the nursery where all values are cultivated and family is the paradise on earth. It is in families that personalities are moulded and shaped and a sense of values is cultivated and nourished. It is through the relationships within the family that we learn cooperation, respect for others, honesty, punctuality, and responsibility.
God bless you all.
Ajith Varghese Achen
