While a great number of years separate our present time from the time of John the Baptist, the context in which we live is very similar inasmuch as we too live every day in the shadows of sin and suffering. We know well the reality of darkness. We know the darkness of evil on many levels and in various parts of the world that causes great destruction and wreaks havoc on many lives, as in the case of abortion and euthanasia. Sometimes this darkness is manifested by silence in the face of evil. As human beings we must always speak the truth and speak out against any injustice.

Our Church is not exempt from evil. We know the painful darkness of hurt and betrayal that engenders mistrust. With anger and deep sadness we continue, as a Church, to walk through the darkness of clergy sexual abuse, praying for the healing of all victims and taking every measure possible to ensure that this scourge never happens again.

We know the paralyzing darkness of political differences made all the more real by the recent election. This great political di-vide has polarized not only our country but also our families, friendships and faith communities. Wherever we are on the political spectrum, there is value in all of us stepping back and respecting others who think differently. The word “respect” comes from the Latin word which means “to look at again.” We know from our individual relationships that even thoughwe might see things differently and passionately discuss issues with one another, we can still be one.

We know the shameful and repressive darkness of racial injustice that has adversely affected our communities. More importantly, racism has greatly undermined the dignity of the human person. Regardless of skin color, God has created all of us in his image and likeness to be people of love. There is no room for hatred, prejudice, or systemic injustice in our world.

We know the despicable darkness of poverty and economic injustice. My predecessor, the late Bishop George Murry, S.J., reminded us of this plight nine years ago when he wrote “Who Is My Neighbor?” a pastoral letter on the occasion of National Poverty Awareness Month. The good bishop reflected on the Good Samaritan passage and reminded us that when many people in the region and beyond are living in poverty, “We must all care for our neighbors.” Such care should never be selective but must encompass all those in need. Sadly, the darkness of poverty remains.

We know the debilitating darkness of addiction, be it to drugs, alcohol, pornography, gambling, shopping, or work. This diocese seeks to accompany anyone suffering from addiction and to support loved ones affected by it.

We know the grief-rendering darkness of loss. Whether it is the death of a loved one, the termination from a job, a relationship that has abruptly ended, or the losing of one’s heart as a result of disappointment, the challenge of life is to learn how to live with these losses even when they become a heavy burden. In this local Church of Youngstown, we continue to mourn the loss of our beloved Bishop George Murry, S.J., who left us too soon.

We know the unnerving and riveting darkness of change. As human beings we can become so comfortable and complacent in our ways that we miss the moment and the possibilities there-in. Change is seldom easy but inside every change is a wealth of opportuni-ties. Unless we change, we fail to grow. Poet and novelist Hermann Hesse once said, “Some of us think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it is letting go.” Admittedly, it is hard to let go of our routine ways. Jesus’s prayer in the garden is one we should pray every day, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Mark 14:36). Our lives as Christians have so much more meaning when we live not according to our own plan or agenda but God’s.

More recently, we all have been living in the deep darkness of the pandemic. Has there ever been such an extended time of darkness that has impacted so many people? While we have had to learn to embrace a new lifestyle of social distancing, facemasks and in some cases, quarantining, we know that our inconvenience and pain pale in comparison to the millions who have been afflicted with the virus and the hundreds of thousands who have lost their lives. The darkness is even deeper for those family members who never had the opportunity to say good-bye to their dear loved one. We pray for the eternal rest of those who have tragically died and for the comfort and consolation of those left behind.

Let us also not forget the many health care workers, support staff, emergency service personnel, food supply workers, teachers, our clergy, and all others who every day have been walking and leading us through this impenetrable darkness to serve others.