Article #6 - Seventh Series - December 18th, 2023 by Fr. Ben Daghir

[Pompeii]

Article #6 -  Seventh Series - December 18th, 2023 by Fr. Ben Daghir

Editor's Note: This article is a summary of a homily from Fr. Ben Daghir to the students at DuBois Central Catholic School System. The homily focuses on the image of a lantern which is often associated with St. Joseph. 

Article:
You will often see St. Joseph with a lantern. Do you know why he has a lantern?

A lantern only gives enough light for the next step. St. Joseph is known for following God’s will one step at a time. St. Joseph was never able to see the big picture. He never saw all of the miracles of Jesus, the remarkable parables of Jesus, the Last Supper, crucifixion, Resurrection, Ascension, Pentecost, and so much more. St. Joseph was only given the next step from the Lord. And, quite courageously, he took the next step. Therefore, he holds a lantern. 

In other words, St. Joseph has much to teach us. We often want God to hand us a crystal ball which shows us the future. We want to know what our grades will be at the end of the quarter, how our sports teams will do, how college will work out, what our future profession will be, how 2023 will go, how all of life will work out, etc. We want to know every step of the road ahead. But, as you well know, we simply do not know the future. We cannot see that far ahead. 

And, this is a gift from God. Here’s why: we think that if we were to know everything in the future that we would be at peace, but actually we would be fearful if we were to see all of the great challenges, conflicts, and problems all at once. God hands us a lantern so that we may grow one step at a time. We become more courageous, humble, and holy with each step. Then, when the big difficulties of life come our way - we courageously face them one at a time.  

There is also another perspective associated with the lantern. The sunlight shines over the entire earth each day. Yet, the magnificent and powerful light of the sun is not capable of penetrating the depths of caves, ravines,  and caverns. Do you know what can penetrate the deepest and darkest parts of the world? A lantern. But it takes a courageous soul willing to carry it. 

The point is that the Lord is handing you a lantern so that you take the next step with faith and courage. He wants you to face challenges and to enter into the depths of life. He wants your lantern to be a light for others who are lost in the dark.

Like St. Joseph, he wants you to take one step at a time. I couldn’t think of a more important message for us entering into this new year and also for our seniors who are preparing for the next chapter of life. Ask the Lord for a lantern and let the adventure begin.
========================

Fr. Ben Daghir is a priest for the Diocese of Erie. He is a graduate of Elk County Catholic High School in Saint Marys, Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, and St. Mary's Seminary & University in Baltimore, Maryland. He considers writing one of his favorite hobbies.