Daily Thoughts: This last day of the year we are treated to the mysticism of St. John. The profoundly familiar opening of his Gospel, "In the beginning was the Word..." It is not an opening story like in Matthew, Mark and Luke, it is a mystical reflection on God, creation and Jesus' entrance into the world. It is a reminder of where we have come from and the profound love of God we journey towards.
In the first reading John in his letter speak to a community, a church, under persecution, struggling with the reality of life in a world made up of many different realities. Things appear to be coming to an end, but John reminds the community about what they know, what they have been taught, and about the relationship with God that they have entered into, so that no matter what happens they will remain faithful.
These readings speak to our realities this last day of the year. Things are coming to an end, perhaps not in the way John envisioned them but a calendar year is coming to an end. Over the past year we have seen many struggles, many signs that point to loss, tragedy, the absence of God and a hopelessness. However, John reminds us, as he did his own community, about what we know because we are friends of God. John reminds us of a new beginning, of by whom we have been created and the hope that needs to remain alive in our hearts.
We can encounter "fiscal cliffs," tragic losses, challenges to our faith, natural disasters but we know the love of God, we know that the Light shines in the darkness of life, we know that that world often does not know God, but we do and we will live in the Light and bring it to the world today and always.
Daily Prayer: Ever-living, ever-loving God, help us this day to walk in the Light of your love and truth. Help us to keep alive the hope of your loving presence even in the darkness that often surrounds us. Help us to embrace the your gift of grace so that we too may help peace come to life in our own lives and in the world...We continue though out this Christmas Season to pray for families in grief; for little ones whose lives were too short; for teachers, administrators and responders who put others first; for firefighters who risk their lives; for a community that must find a way to live; for all of us who seek a world of lasting peace! Amen!
Runner's Thought: Run with the wind today into a New Year blessed by God!
Greetings friends, I am a little late today as I took a sleep in after my long drive from the Midwest yesterday. I am thankful to be home yet there is a lot to do to bring this year to and end and ready myself for the year to come. I pray you are where you need and want to be. That you will get a chance to celebrate with family and/or friends tonight. If you need to travel please be safe. If you are going to be out and about at midnight, please be safe! Blessings on this last day of 2012 and much hope and many new dreams for 2013. See you next year! Peace in the Christ Child...Fr. Paul
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