December 26, 2025
Feast of Saint Stephen
My sisters and brothers in the Lord,
Welcome to week fifty-two of BMW, Be My Witnesses. This is the conclusion to all that we have been doing over these many weeks.
After the Year of Eucharistic Revival, we have been focused on those last words of the Mass: “Go, announce the Gospel of the Lord.” Jesus knows that we will be his witnesses and that is why he gives us his Holy Spirit. We now have one last task. We must give praise to God for all he has done in and through us over these many months.
Conclusion: Give Praise to God for all He has Done
Chapter twelve of Isaiah is like a short psalm, part of which reads: “give thanks to the Lord, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name. Sing praise to the Lord for he has done glorious things; let this be known throughout all the earth” (verses 4-5).
It is always good to praise and thank God for his blessings and even, if we have the courage, to thank God for seeing us through difficult times. It is often those difficulties, and our perseverance, which make us who we are today. At this point, at the end of this long time of BMW, “be my witnesses,” we need to praise and thank God for, what I hope, has been an enriching experience. I frankly hope it has also been challenging, stretching, formative.
I know that these many months have been a blessing for me. Your participation in this project has also brought many graces to our Catholic Church. Formed and fed by the Eucharist, we have been sent out by the Lord, and now it is up to the Holy Spirit to reap whatever harvest has been created. Saying this is a reminder to me that we are often called to plant and that another may bring in what has been sown; but it is always God who gives the increase. So, let us praise God and give him thanks. Let us be specific about this. Perhaps, it would be helpful to make a list of things that we feel went very well and those perhaps that could have gone better. Then, as specifically as we can, let us give thanks for all of it.
The Psalms are our best allies since they can give voice to our own gratitude. “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be always in my mouth. My soul will glory in the Lord; let the poor hear and be glad. Magnify the Lord with me; and let us exalt his name together” (34:2-4). “Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; sing of his glorious name; give him glorious praise. Say to God: ‘How awesome your deeds!’…. Come and see the works of God, awesome in deeds before the children of Adam” (66:2-3, 5). “I will praise the Lord with all my heart in the assembled congregation of the upright. Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Majestic and glorious is his work, his righteousness endures forever. He won renown for his wondrous deeds; gracious and merciful is the Lord” (111:1-4).
My Challenge
No challenge this week; you have not graduated, but rather commenced. So, Go and Announce the Gospel of the Lord. Until next week, may God Bless you.
+ Earl Boyea
Bishop of Lansing
P.S. Here is a video version of this week's Be My Witnesses. Please do share with friends and family. Thank you.