Father Hathaway’s Column — January 22, 2023
A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
Today’s Gospel Reading from Saint Matthew reflects on the prophecy of Isaiah (from today’s First Reading), who said the Messiah would bring “light” to the whole world. “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” Our Responsorial Psalm today says: “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?” And, in the Creed recited at Mass, we refer to the Son of God as “Light from light.” In each of these passages, we see Christ, like the newly risen sun, bringing the radiance of truth and hope to the world.
Speaking at World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto, Saint John Paul II said, “Our personal encounter with Christ bathes life in new light, sets us on the right path and sends us out to be His witnesses… We must reflect the light of Christ through lives of prayer and joyful service to others.”
DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE LEGAL PROTECTION OF UNBORN CHILDREN
One way to reflect the light of Jesus Christ is to stand up for life! On January 23 (recalling the January 22, 1973, Roe v. Wade decision that took so many innocent 
lives), all dioceses of the United States will observe a “day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations of the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion.”
Even though Roe v. Wade was overturned last summer, current and proposed state and federal laws are hostile to the unborn. Great prayer and advocacy is needed, especially to support the enactment of life-affirming policies at the state level.
To that end, the Basilica of Saint Mary is sponsoring a bus to carry parishioners to the Virginia Pro-Life Day activities (co-sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Arlington) on February 1, in Richmond. The bus will leave from in front of the Basilica after the 8 a.m. Mass that day. I invite you – and your family and friends – to join us in witnessing to life. Click here to sign up.
THE CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL – JANUARY 25
At daily Mass on Wednesday, January 25, we read the story of the conversion of Saul/Saint Paul the Apostle. That event led Paul to cease persecuting early Christians and become a follower of Jesus. It launched his life as a tireless missionary. The Responsorial Psalm on Wednesday repeats the words of Christ: “Go out to all the world and tell the Good News” (Mark 16:15). This was Paul’s vocation but it is also the vocation of the whole Church and each one of us.
BISHOP’S LENTEN APPEAL BEGINS
You can help spread the Good News by participating in the 2023 Bishop’s Lenten Appeal (BLA), launched by Bishop Michael Burbidge in a letter being sent this month to all registered parishioners of the Basilica of Saint Mary. The BLA funds important programs and ministries throughout our diocese that serve many thousands of people. Please prayerfully consider making a sacrificial pledge to support the BLA and, thereby, support God’s kingdom in our diocese. Click here for more information. Thank you!