Walk in the Light as He is in the Light

In Him There is No Darkness at All. Many of my reflections have brought up the theme of light in the darkness and the idea of what each of us can do to open a space in the darkness and bring some light to a situation. Certainly, there is plenty of darkness around us. We hear about the wars in the Holy Land, Ukraine, Sudan, and many other places. We are bombarded with news about hostages, shootings, torture, hunger, poverty, and climate distress. If we are honest, we know we cannot say of ourselves, “We are without sin,” and we need to take responsibility for our own contributions to the darkness.

Our Soul Has Been Rescued Like a Bird

Our Sisters held a retreat recently in which we considered the “darknesses” in the world that seemed most overwhelming. We talked about ways each of us could bring light to the situation. It was freeing to be able to say, “This is what I can do to help.” There were many responses, both spiritual and practical. In the Gospel, we see Joseph responding on both levels, receiving the communication from the angel, and acting immediately to take Mary and Jesus to safety. In the midst of the tragedy of the massacre of the little boys, the boy who will become the Messiah escapes. In the midst of our sinfulness, we have “Jesus Christ the righteous one. He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.”

Another Kind of Light

Another light that consistently shines in the gloom is the work of Gratia Vobis Ministries in evangelizing, teaching, and serving the poor. Since 2021, it has been my privilege to be a contributor to the daily reflections posted on the website. I have been grateful to be published alongside such thoughtful and insightful priests, religious and lay faithful who are so given to the service of the Church. This post will be my last. I will not be continuing with this participation in Gratia Vobis because of new and increased responsibilities. But the work of the Ministries will be in my prayers, and I will be especially mindful of all its people around the world, especially, Father Maurice Emelu, its founder and Paul Verderber, its president.

I wish all of you a very blessed and holy Christmas season and a grace-filled and holy New Year. Thank you for being such a light in the darkness.

Thank you, Sister. We appreciate all you have done for the GVM universe. Remain Blessed!

[Readings: 1 Jn 1:5—2:2; Mt 2:13-18]

Sister Veronica Schueler, F.S.E.

Sister Veronica Schueler, F.S.E. is the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon, where her responsibilities include oversight of the archives and general record-keeping, as well as mission outreach. She is also the Episcopal Delegate for Religious Communities and for Catholic Health Care. She earned a certificate in bioethics from the National Catholic Bioethics Center and is engaged in addressing bioethical issues for the Archdiocese. She graduated cum laude from the Western Michigan University Cooley Law School in 1993. Admitted to the bars of several states, she has 15 years of experience practicing immigration law. She is a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, a pontifical religious community with its Motherhouse in Connecticut and a local center in Bridal Veil, Oregon.

2 Comments

  1. Gratia Vobis Ministries on December 29, 2023 at 4:20 am

    Dear Sister Schueler,
    You’ve been an incredible spiritual leader through your thoughtful words over these past three years. I eagerly anticipate reading your reflections each month. Many of our readers have benefited from your wisdom. May the Good Lord continue to guide you as you assume more leadership roles in both your community and the church. Thank you for your prayers and rest assured of my prayers and Masses for you and your community.
    Fr. Maurice

  2. Jerry DEMELO Jr on December 28, 2023 at 1:17 pm

    Sister Veronica, I have so enjoyed your posts and I hate to see you go.

    I know that whatever challenges you may have regarding this increased responsibilities will be softly handled by your contemplative heart.

    God bless you always and thank you for blessing me

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