Scripture:
1 John 2:18-21
John 1: 1-18
Reflection:
"In the beginning was the Word…"
It’s the last day of the 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. God is good at beginnings.
I realized recently that I like beginnings…sometimes I like beginnings better than I like endings. Oh sure, I like the end of a hockey game better than the beginning. And I like the ends of movies and the ends of good mystery novels. But when it comes to years on the calendar, I like beginnings better than endings. I appreciate the fact that it’s new, like a blank canvas, holding much possibility for me.
Words are important…Words have power. Words help us express our feelings and emotions, our hopes and our dreams. Words enable us to communicate ideas and thoughts. Words can unite us with others or separate us from one another…Words are significant.
In the beginning, God "SPOKE" and the world was created. The WORD became flesh and made His dwelling among us. Somehow, before the beginning of time, this Christ child existed, not as a human being, but as God himself, as what we call the WORD.
This Christ had something to do with the creation of every single thing that we have in our lives…and also, He had something to do with the creation of YOU and of ME.
This WORD has graced us with many gifts and blessings: The gift of power…God’s power…the gift of light…a light that shines in the darkness, but will never be overcome by the darkness, and the gifts of perfect grace and truth…gifts that we receive everyday of our lives.
Words are important. Actions are also important.
As we cross the bridge into 2013, let us walk humbly with our God, trusting that He will help us to: care deeply, give freely, think kindly, act gently, and be at peace with the world. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
Deacon Brian Clements is a retired member of the staff at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California.