1 John 2 : 18-21
John 1 : 1-18
This seventh day of the octave of Christmas also happens to be the last day of the year.
The last day of the year. Somehow there is a reminiscing tone to time, if we give ourselves some time to reminisce.
364 days have passed, and on this last day of the year, we still can ask ourselves : So how did the year turn out for us.
We only have today to ask that question, because come tomorrow, we will be looking at the new year with our plans, our schedules, our appointments, and oh yes, our resolutions.
Today's long gospel begins with "In the beginning ..." It sounds rather strange that on the last day of the year, we hear something about the beginning.
But yet this long gospel is actually a summary of the life and mission of Jesus.
He is the light that shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.
He is the Word made flesh; He came to His own domain, but His own people did not accept Him.
But to those who did accept Him, He gave them the power to become children of God, receiving grace upon grace.
Whatever our reflections of this passing year may be, let us thank the Lord for the blessings and graces we received during these 364 days.
Let us set ourselves to begin another year and to begin it with Christ.
From His fullness, let us ask for grace upon grace as that we end the year with thanksgiving and look forward to the new year with hope.