I was presented by my mother and father to be baptized 21 days after my birth, according to the Byzantine Rite of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. To be baptized is to be immersed into the water and be cleansed from our original sin. This bath is called enlightment, “The true light that enlighten every man,” He becomes a “Son of Light.” (CCC 1216).
"For everyone who does wicked things hate the light, and does not come toward the light, so that his work not be exposed." (Jn3:20)
We have all found ourselves at one time or another in the shadow of darkness, and I have drifted away from the light. I was in search for freedom and I was looking for it in the wrong way and the wrong place. I was seeking love in a selfish way, I was striving to fill the emptiness inside me with passing pleasures leading me into the fullness of sin. I was consumed in the pursuit of wealth working 70 to 80 hours a week to build my business into an empire leading me to focus on money with very little time for anything else.
"What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life." (Mt 16:26)
I was away from "The Light", estranged to God, living my life in a spiritual wasteland. Nine years ago I started my journey back to Jesus, I went to the Most Blessed Sacrament Friary in Newark to see their garden. It was God's providence that they had rat problem so with my Pest control business I was there regularly.
It was there where I met a brother who is like no other priest, he became my counselor and my spiritual director who lead me back to the light. I found myself being drawn to this most Sacred place I have ever been. I felt safe and at peace. God was leading me away from the wasteland of darkness. It was when I went on a pilgrimage to Greece and Turkey following the footsteps of Saint Paul that once again I could say that I could see the glimpse of The Light.
Jesus said that those that followed him would not walk in darkness (Jn 8:12).
During my four day retreat with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, on that third day at about 8am during mass after receiving the Holy Eucharist, found myself lying on the ground surrounded by people as I opened my eyes. They were helping me up and asking if I was all right, I could not recall anything but a very intense bright and white light.
"But whoever lives the truth comes to the light so that his works be clearly seen as done in God." John3: 21
Truly you are my light and my Lord and Savior. My heart leaps for joy when I think of these words. I want to be holy for you my God are holy. I want the wind of your Holy Spirit to stir the fire in my life to love and serve you.
Thank you Jesus, my Savior and my Light….Amen
We have all found ourselves at one time or another in the shadow of darkness, and I have drifted away from the light. I was in search for freedom and I was looking for it in the wrong way and the wrong place. I was seeking love in a selfish way, I was striving to fill the emptiness inside me with passing pleasures leading me into the fullness of sin. I was consumed in the pursuit of wealth working 70 to 80 hours a week to build my business into an empire leading me to focus on money with very little time for anything else.
"What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life." (Mt 16:26)
I was away from "The Light", estranged to God, living my life in a spiritual wasteland. Nine years ago I started my journey back to Jesus, I went to the Most Blessed Sacrament Friary in Newark to see their garden. It was God's providence that they had rat problem so with my Pest control business I was there regularly.
It was there where I met a brother who is like no other priest, he became my counselor and my spiritual director who lead me back to the light. I found myself being drawn to this most Sacred place I have ever been. I felt safe and at peace. God was leading me away from the wasteland of darkness. It was when I went on a pilgrimage to Greece and Turkey following the footsteps of Saint Paul that once again I could say that I could see the glimpse of The Light.
Jesus said that those that followed him would not walk in darkness (Jn 8:12).
During my four day retreat with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, on that third day at about 8am during mass after receiving the Holy Eucharist, found myself lying on the ground surrounded by people as I opened my eyes. They were helping me up and asking if I was all right, I could not recall anything but a very intense bright and white light.
"But whoever lives the truth comes to the light so that his works be clearly seen as done in God." John3: 21
Truly you are my light and my Lord and Savior. My heart leaps for joy when I think of these words. I want to be holy for you my God are holy. I want the wind of your Holy Spirit to stir the fire in my life to love and serve you.
Thank you Jesus, my Savior and my Light….Amen