Moving Forward
Here we are, the sixth day of eight days of celebrating Christmas. This first reading from the first letter of John is not read every year because the 30th of December is not always a weekday. And this is a letter we believe is written by the apostle John, who also wrote the gospel of John.
John, who walked with Jesus. John who became the caretaker of Mary, the Mother of God. John who proclaimed Jesus as the Word of God. Who was God at the beginning. My dear people, this is important. Do not love things of this world. 2020 has taught us that what is of this world has not helped us through the events of this year. What has happened is that we have been taught to see spiritually how God is working in everything that is happening in our lives. The world and its enticements are passing away. What is most important? Your family, your friends, and those who have sacrificed to help you and love you.
As this year comes to close, first think of all the times where you felt stressed or desperate and remember when you turned to God in trust and prayer. You made it through, you survived, and discovered God can make good come out of even the most difficult times. Then think of the times you turned from God and tried to go it alone. Need I say more? And now for the New Year – how do you think you should move forward?
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen