Appeal helps bring the light of God to many

There is so much evil in the world today, so much suffering and so much that is wrong. Faced with the effects of sin in the world, what is a believer to do? Simply put, and as the old saying goes, we can curse the darkness or light a candle. It is our choice.
One can sit in front of the television, or scan the computer, and become angrier by the minute as we watch the news, with stories filled with the misery and wrongdoing. The fury of helplessness can fill our souls as we sit and bemoan the situations we see in one newscast after another. Or one can decide to make a difference. The choice is ours.
I am blessed to be able to travel throughout the southern half of Alabama to the parishes, schools and other Catholic ministries of our archdiocese. One priest recently said to me that I not only know the interstates of Alabama but the back roads too. I took that as a great compliment. God has given me the health to be able to drive and visit the people of our archdiocese. In doing so, I get to see so much good that is happening, good which seldom makes the news.
I get to see food and clothing being given to the hungry, people receiving help with rent and utility bills, mothers with problem pregnancies being helped and given hope, prisoners being reminded that iron bars cannot prevent the grace of God reaching any wayward heart which seeks Him. I see mariners being greeted with prayer, access to personal supplies and contacts with loved ones at home. In addition, the elderly are assisted with attention and help with basic daily needs; children whose parents are imprisoned are accompanied with care; young people are taught the faith, and college students are supported in living the faith. Individuals and families are counseled through the rough spots of life and adoption services help to place children in loving homes. Homes of the elderly or persons with disabilities are repaired. The list of good things happening in our archdiocese goes on.
These are some of the candles which shine amidst the darkness of our world. We can have a part in bringing the light of hope to many as they experience dark times. It is the light of followers of Jesus putting their faith into action by sharing the light of Christ. We can be a part of the light of Christ. As St. John wrote in his Gospel: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (Jn 1:5).
Our concern for the needs and struggles of others is how we show that we are followers of Jesus Christ. As St. James wrote in the Bible: “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds” (Js 2:18). Faith without concern for neighbor is empty. Jesus made clear that love of God and love of neighbor cannot be separated.
Our 92nd annual Catholic Charities Appeal is about to begin. All the ministries I mentioned earlier are made possible by this Appeal. As people who ask God to help us, we are called to help others. As people who ask God to be merciful to us, we need to show mercy to others.
Archbishop Toolen began the Catholic Charities Appeal in 1931. He called it the “lifeblood of the archdiocese.” Without concern for others, our archdiocese would be spiritually dead. Instead, every year, through some of the most difficult of times, the people of our archdiocese have generously responded to this Appeal. I beg you to do so again this year. Please make a pledge to the Appeal. If you have given in the past, please do so again this year. If you have not given in the past, please begin doing so this year. Any amount you pledge, no matter how large or small, will bless many. Every pledge makes so much good possible. Please be a part of this. Please pray for the Appeal. Together, let us bring the light and mercy of God to many.