Scripture:
1 John 2:18-21
John 1:1-18
Reflection:
"In the Beginning………….."
It’s the last day of this year and the eve of a new one. For many of us, this means it’s a time of reflection….. a time to look back and a time to look forward……
Our Gospel today is about…………Beginnings
Throughout the holiday season, some of us tend to overindulge in various ways. The most commonplace excess – and the least recognizable – is overindulgence in the idea that, starting at midnight tonight, EVERYTHING WILL CHANGE !
We make a list of all the things we’re going to do, stop doing, or do differently. We have high hopes for the "New Year."
God is good at beginnings. At the moment of creation God shared life by allowing His goodness to spread outside of Himself.
"In the beginning was the Word……………"
Jesus Christ, the Word of God, has empowered us to become children of God and to share in His life one day at a time.
God gives us the gift of life, and what we do with that life is our gift back to God.
Our wanting to make changes (for the New Year) is well and good and necessary if life is to be fully enjoyed. Change is best undertaken "one day at a time."
Prayer for Today: Lord, help me to remember that today is another golden opportunity for a new beginning………….
Deacon Brian Clements is on the staff at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California.