Dear Missionary Disciples:
 
The other day, as I was sitting outside in the bright sunlight, I was thinking, what is the light in our personal lives? What guides us? Does the word of God, the teaching of the pope and bishops, Sacred Scripture? Do we allow the Holy Spirit to speak? The Holy Spirit, as the advocate promised by Jesus, guides us in understanding and living out the teachings of the Church.
 
Are these the things that guide us, or do we let the world guide us? As Catholics, we believe that the teachings on faith and morals expressed beautifully in the Catechism of the Catholic Church are our Lord's guidance on how to love and live. Jesus said, "The Father will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever, the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you."
 
 I am saddened by how often we let a commentator, analyst, celebrity, or the thoughts of some or many in society be our guide or light. We need to reaffirm our commitment to listen to Christ, let Him be our light, and let Him guide us. He does this through the teachings of His Church. Let us not forget that His voice is the one we should always strive to hear above all others.
 
May the peace that comes from following Christ's teachings be with you always.
 
Peace, Fr. M