At the closing gathering of Young Columbans in the Philippines, Society Leader, Fr Andrei Paz, prayed that they “trust that the light God has placed in us, however ordinary it may seem, is enough to make a difference in this complicated world we live in”.
Here is Fr Andrei’s full homily given at the Church of Our Lady of Remedies, Malate on 24th January 2026.
We are all aware that the world we live in is complicated. There is much that is good and life-giving. And there is also much that is painful and difficult. We see generosity and kindness. And we also see conflict, division, and people struggling to survive. Often these realities exist side by side, even here in our community of Malate. We see people giving and helping one another.
And we also see poverty, and lives made difficult by uncertainty and struggle. Sometimes, we can even feel we don’t have enough energy for it all, but somehow, we keep going.
These realities are not far from us. They are part of everyday life, in our families, our neighbourhoods, and in the places where Columbans live and serve. Families displaced because of war or climate threats. Communities holding onto faith amid fear. Migrant workers far from home, searching for dignity and belonging.
Communities facing inequality, disasters, and daily struggles. And we know that even in our small daily challenges, we are learning how to rely on God and on one another.
When we listen to today’s readings, it is not hard to recognize these experiences. Isaiah speaks of people walking in darkness. That does not sound distant or abstract. It sounds like real lives. At times, it may even sound like parts of our own story. There is the darkness of displacement and loss. The darkness of uncertainty. The darkness of being overlooked or misunderstood. The darkness caused by environmental destruction or corruption.
And there is also the darkness in feeling alone, tired, unseen, or forgotten. And yet, we are reminded that even small signs of hope can shine brightly. Sometimes, it is just a smile from a neighbour, or a simple greeting of someone we know.
So, amidst all the darkness in this world, a simple question arises: where is the light? The Gospel offers a simple answer. The light is Jesus.
In some images of St Columban, he is depicted with a sun on his chest. This image tells us something important. The light he carried did not come from himself. It came from God. Held close to the heart. And shared with others. That is how God’s light works in the world. God uses ordinary people who are willing to carry it into the lives of others. People like you and me. People who, even on the busiest of days, still offer a helping hand, a kind word, a listening ear.
Jesus comes into the world as it is, not an ideal world, not a perfect one, but the real world, with all its messiness and pain. And he does not begin by fixing everything. He begins by calling people. Ordinary people. People who know uncertainty. People who depend on one another.
They are not chosen because they are impressive or powerful. They are chosen because they are willing to walk with God’s light.
This is what Young Columbans and all Columban missionaries try to do. They walk with displaced families, migrants, and struggling communities, carrying the light they have received. And in this Young Columbans Gathering over the past days, we have seen that light among ourselves. We have bonded. We have listened. We have shared ideas. We have practiced walking together.
Listening together. Discerning together. Supporting one another in God’s Mission. And through it all, we have shared laughs, perhaps even tears.
Mission begins with God. Whether in a parish, at home, at work, or far away in other communities, mission becomes clear when we rely on God, on one another, and on those around us. Faithfulness, not success by worldly standards, is what matters. And sometimes faithfulness is as simple as showing up, even when we feel tired or unsure.
Each of us has a role to play in God’s mission. Every prayer, every act of kindness, every listening ear, every helping hand matters. When we share what we can, support one another, and walk together in faith, we reflect the Church Jesus calls us to be: synodal, faithful, and full of hope. Even if our efforts seem small, God can multiply them in ways we cannot imagine.
To these ordinary people in our Gospel story this evening and to all of us here today, Jesus says, “Come after me.” That’s it. Very simple. He does not promise comfort or clarity. Following him means stepping into uncertainty, into a path that is not always easy to understand. The disciples misunderstood him. They argued. They were afraid. They ran away. And still, Jesus kept calling them. Still, he trusted them.
Mission is not about being perfect or heroic. It is about staying close to the source of light. Staying close to God. And allowing God’s light to shine through us.
At baptism, each of us received this light. Not to keep for ourselves. But to share. For some, that happens in family life and daily work. For others, it leads across borders and cultures. The call is the same. To follow Jesus. To let his light be seen through us.
Wherever we are, whether here in Malate, or in the many communities we serve, the invitation remains. To keep our hearts turned toward the light. Like the sun on St Columban’s chest. To trust that small acts of faithfulness matter. One small act of kindness at a time. One helping hand. One listening ear. One moment of presence. That is how God’s light spreads. Through the hands, hearts, and lives of each of us.
May we have the courage to keep following Jesus. And may we trust that the light God has placed in us, however ordinary it may seem, is enough to make a difference in this complicated world we live in. And sometimes, just sometimes, that difference starts with a smile.