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Scripture
John 1:1-8 The Word was made flesh, and lived among us In the beginning was the Word: and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things came to be, not one thing had its being but through him. All that came to be had life in him and that life was the light of men, a light that shines in the dark, a light that darkness could not overpower. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Reflection As we bid farewell to 2020 there is much comfort in the words of today’s Scripture which reassure us that Jesus is ‘a light that darkness could not overpower’. Many experienced darkness in the Covid 19 world of 2020. Many families among us are grieving for those who died this year and we share in their sadness. This was the year when the world as we knew it changed utterly and forced us to confront our mortality and vulnerability. We have also witnessed charity and heroism flourishing in the midst of this crisis. Even in difficult times we can find things to be grateful for. Pope Francis has spoken of his gratitude for ‘the spontaneous acts of altruism and heroic dedication’ shown by so many. He tells us the crisis has shown us that, especially in times of need, we depend on our solidarity with others. “In a new way, it is inviting us to place our lives at the service of others. It should make us aware of global injustice and wake us up to the cry of the poor and of our gravely diseased planet." He says the risk of contagion from a virus should teach us how the “contagion” of love passes from one heart to another. Pope Francis assures us “Just like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, the Lord will also accompany us in future through His word and through the breaking of bread in the Eucharist. And He will say to us: “Do not be afraid! For I have overcome death.’” We remember another Pope today as this is the feast of St. Sylvester. He was a fourth century Pope whose devout faith so moved his contemporaries, that they publicly honoured him as “confessor” one who, though not suffering martyrdom, lived a life completely given to Christ. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Prayer God of the approaching New Year, we are walking into mystery. Fill us with hope and an abiding trust that dwells in us amid all our joys and sorrows. God of new beginnings and wonderful surprises, thank you for this gift of a new year. May it be a time of grace, a time to grow in faith and love, a time to renew commitments to following Your Son, Jesus. May it be a year of blessing, a time to cherish family and friends, a time to renew efforts at work, a time to embrace faith more fully, a time to work for peace and justice. Walk with us, please, in every day and every hour of this new year, that the light of Christ might shine through us, in spite of our weaknesses and failings. Above all, may we remember this year that we are pilgrims on the sacred path to You. Amen. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Music As 2020 draws to a close our scripture today invites us to consider God in our midst and that light overcomes darkness. We share a video from the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin The Cloud’s Veil reminding us of how God is by our side. |
