If you drive by the rectory later this week you might catch a glimpse of a menorah in one of our windows. You might wonder “Why?” The simple answer: it’s part of our prayer for peace and justice in the Holy Land. Yes, as I write these words hostages and prisoners have been released. We certainly hope that the ceasefire becomes a step toward lasting peace.

But, just as disturbing as the terrorist violence in Gaza has been the antisemitic words and actions in North America and Europe. Those situations need to be part of our prayer as well. As Catholics, we have all sorts of common ground with people of many religious faiths and people of goodwill. But, we have a particular relationship with the Jewish people, our elder sisters and brothers in faith. Anti-Semitism can have no part in a Catholic’s life, and, indeed, should have no place in our world. Someone (and I tried to find the source and the exact quote—in vain!) once remarked that the greatest blow Christ received in his passion was antisemitism because he received it on the face of his mother.

As we light candles in these glooming days—on the Advent wreath, on the menorah, on our festive tables, around our altar—let’s live as people committed to God’s light that overcomes every darkness.