Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 1, 1-18
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but came to testify to the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world,
and the world came to be through him,
but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own,
but his own people did not accept him.
But to those who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to those who believe in his name,
who were born not by natural generation
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision
but of God.
And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son,
full of grace and truth.
John testified to him and cried out, saying,
“This was he of whom I said,
‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’”
From his fullness we have all received,
grace in place of grace,
because while the law was given through Moses,
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God.
The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father’s side,
has revealed him.
The year has come to an end; how many things to be thankful for!
1) Light shines in the darkness. Truth and goodness conquer everything. You might think the opposite but take a good look back, think of all the events you have faced this year. How many mistakes did you make? God gives you the opportunity to reorganize your life and restart. As long as you search for and accept the truth about yourself and your life, everything will be fine. The hard part is when you lie to yourself and get used to living in that lie. Let the light shine in you. It is true that when there is light in us, it is easier to see the dirt, but it is also easier to clean and remove. Do not let the shame of being discovered for what you are lead you to live in anguish… the light shines and you are called to shine. Please choose to shine.
2) His own did not receive him. How many find it hard to welcome Jesus in their lives, I include myself. How many times did you see the hand of God in your life? We are not aware of all the things God has given us because we are so busy with everyday chores and activities that we do not meditate on how God works in our lives. Think of all the difficulties, but at the same time how much joy we experienced. You might say that you cannot wait for the year to end, others might say how wonderful the year has been. It is important to remember that the battle never ends and until we reach heaven, we do not cease in our efforts.
3) Grace upon grace. Let us be grateful today for so many graces we have received this year. I want to end with a prayer that came from my heart this morning:
“Jesus Christ, Lord of my life, I am thankful for the crosses I have received, and I have overcome. Thank you for what I complained about, but today I see as my salvation.
I am thankful for all the people that made me smile, because they lightened my load and made me happy. Thank you for the people that made me cry because I discovered that in life one can also falter, but the clue is to stand up again. Thank you, God, for showing me that what I do in life, I do with passion. I am thankful for the people that pray for me without me knowing, because when I die, I will know all the good they did for me. Thank you for my life because I see how complicated and beautiful life is. Thank you, God, for always being with me and never letting go of me. Amen”
God bless you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Always remember Heaven is our Goal.
