Scripture:
Reflection:
“The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. To those who accepted Him He gave power to become the children of God.” ~John 1:14a, 12a
This is such good news to me! We don’t have to try to earn the right to be God’s children. We can’t earn it, we just have to accept our place as his beloved son or daughter and then spend our lives getting to know Him and becoming more and more like Him… loving, forgiving, helping, caring, and then sharing that same Good News.
My heart is singing as we continue to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas up to Epiphany. I am overwhelmed with God’s love for me and for the whole world as I ponder our infinite God humbling Himself to take on our own finite human form. In a recent homily the priest described the Incarnation as putting all of the oceans of the world into a tiny cup. I love that image!
This HUGE amazing God squeezed Himself into a tiny seed which the Holy Spirit implanted in Mary’s womb and then he grew and was born and grew some more and became the Lord who walked the earth to love all people and show us the way home. After his ascension into heaven, he sent His Spirit to us so that we could have an intimate relationship with Him and to give us the grace we need to grow in virtue and holiness.
He is inviting us each day to receive Him in Holy Communion. If that’s not possible, He invites us to spend time with Him whenever and however we can so that we know we are each unrepeatable and important to him and loved and honored. Take the time, make the time, cherish the time. Let Him love you!
I pray that 2019 will be a joyous, blessed New Year for each of us!
Janice Carleton and her husband Jim live in Bainbridge Island, Washington, and partner with Passionist Fr. Cedric Pisegna in Fr. Cedric Ministries. She is the mother of 4 grown children and grandmother of 6. Janice also leads women’s retreats and recently published her second book: God IS with Us. Visit Janice’s website at http://www.janicecarleton.com/ or email her at [email protected].