I love the Feast of the Epiphany, the Feast of Light. We are called to be a Light for and to the nations, to reveal light to others. Also next Sunday is Peace Sunday. So I want to reflect on Light, Peace and Hope. Jesus was very clear that we will find him in others. Therefore, if we look carefully, we will find his Light in others. In the great parable about the end of time in Matthew’s gospel (Chapter 25) Jesus said that he will only recognise those who respond to people who are hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick, imprisoned. Jesus continually reached out to those who were excluded. Pope Francis continually exhorts us to go into the world to make the world a better place – this is how he sees mission – we carry light to others. I remember 40 years ago when Fr Brian Green came to St Joseph’s, Dinnington his central message was that we gather together around the Eucharist in order to then go out into the world to help make the world a better place. On a previous Peace Sunday at St Joseph’s, I talked about promoting peace in our personal relationships, about the importance of trying to listen and not taking anything personally – this became a PRE (Pastoral Renewal Exchange) editorial (February 2016). It is important to let light shine through us AND to find and reveal the light that is in others (and to find other peacemakers also). In our local communities, where do we find Light and Peace? Rotherham has been a place a great darkness for at least 20 years and many of us were not even aware of this darkness until the publication of The Jay Report in August 2014 about CSE (Child Sexual Exploitation). Rotherham Council continues to be in darkness for many adult survivors of CSE and their family members despite what some officials may say. Think for a few moments about Rotherham and the total devastation caused to the lives of so many, on our doorstep. Professor Jay estimated there were 1400 victims of CSE. It could be much more. And think of the family members of these victims. Thousands directly affected by CSE. In recent months I have discovered a place of Light and Hope and Peace for adult survivors and their family members - Swinton Lock Activity Centre. I have been visiting Swinton Lock most weeks since early in October. On 9 December two adult survivors and a father and Jayne Senior came to talk to us at St Joseph’s Dinnington. It was one of the most profoundly moving occasions I have ever experienced. They have agreed to come back again on Saturday 13 January at 11.30 am. You will be very welcome to join us. Before the last meeting a friend told me that she was worried about being very distressed if she came. But it was a meeting full of hope and very forward looking. Jayne went to Swinton Lock after Risky Business was shut down by the Council. And after the Jay Report, when the scale of CSE in Rotherham was made visible, many survivors of CSE and family members have gone to Swinton Lock for help because they trust Jayne Senior - many of them know her from her involvement with Risky Business. Many of these survivors, with very good cause (I know this from my personal experience), still do not trust officials in Rotherham. Some have been let down terribly even very recently. St Joseph’s has been helping Swinton Lock raise funds for about two months. We have helped set up a fundraising website. About £5000 has already been raised (about half of it from St Joseph’s) – a lot more is needed. Please take a copy of this two-page leaflet (and perhaps take one for a friend). Please consider making a donation or go further and organise a fundraiser. There are five voices on the second page – please read them carefully. I have got to know these five people well. Three of them came to St Joseph’s and are due to come back on Saturday 13 January at 11.30 am. I met C at Swinton Lock and when she heard I was gathering voices she asked me if she could share her voice. She said: “Swinton Lock saved my life”. On the leaflet is what C wrote. I will read it. …. Swinton Lock saved my life - By C After bottling things up for 12 years and numerous suicide attempts, I’d had enough. I felt so alone and didn’t know where to turn to. So, I attempted suicide again. P found me after cutting my tights from around my neck. I was taken to hospital and referred to Swinton Lock. A lady called K contacted me and brought me up to meet Jayne and other staff at Swinton. The support they have given me is exceptional. I don’t feel alone any more. I still have bad days but there is always someone around to turn to. The bad days always turn into positive ones. I have a long journey ahead but with Swinton Lock’s support I feel like I finally have a voice. Today you have heard C’s voice. Pdf: http://real2.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Talk-at-Three-churches-on-Saturday-6-and-Sunday-7-January-2018.pdf