‘Tis the Season to Be the Light in the Darkness

By Michael E. McRae
President & CEO, St. Ann’s Community
November 23, 2020

“Where there is darkness, let me bring light.”

That verse from the Prayer of St. Francis is especially poignant given the dark days we’ve all experienced this year.

On the evening of November 5^th, St. Ann’s Community held a March of Light on our Irondequoit campus to express our support for families affected by COVID-19. Our employees were joined by the families and friends of our residents as we marched by lantern light, honoring those who lost their lives and offering hope to those still struggling.

It was our small way of bringing light where there is darkness.

As we head into the holiday season, we know that much of the usual joy is eclipsed by darkness for so many. Yet we are reminded that, with the birth of Jesus, the light shall prevail: “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.” (Isaiah 9:2)

Through our faith, we too must strive to be the light in the darkness for one another. Simple acts can make all the difference. Helping a neighbor in need…saying thank you to the cashier at the supermarket…paying a compliment to the healthcare worker who continues to do their job in these most difficult of times.

We don’t know each other’s circumstances; that person may have a loved one battling a disease or a child struggling in school. They may be experiencing anxiety over the uncertainty (emotional, financial) brought on by the pandemic. Or maybe they’re just having a bad day. Your simple gesture can be that small beacon of light that keeps the darkness at bay for a fellow human being.

In the spirit of the season, let’s open our hearts to one another and be the light in the darkness that so often can seem overwhelming.