Link to the DEACON5 website: https://deacon5.com/
The Gospel according to John (1:1-17)
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but came to testify to the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world,
and the world came to be through him,
but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own,
but his own people did not accept him.
But to those who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to those who believe in his name,
who were born not by natural generation
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision
but of God.
And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son,
full of grace and truth.
John testified to him and cried out, saying,
“This was he of whom I said,
‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’”
From his fullness we have all received,
grace in place of grace,
because while the law was given through Moses,
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God.
The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father’s side,
has revealed him.
Reflection:
At our parish of St Rita, people much more creative and clever than me came up with a wonderful theme last Christmas – “Be the Light”. As you can see in the picture attached to this reflection, we have a sign outside the church which proclaims that statement to the community. It makes me smile whenever I see it (especially when it is lit up!).
It is a very relevant theme for today’s Gospel as well, the beautiful beginning of the Gospel of John. In the hymn that starts that Gospel, we see the words “the true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” You and me, we are called to be witnesses to this same Light, every day (not just during the Christmas season).
The world is full of darkness, because it does not prioritize the light and the importance of the light. Instead, it prioritizes each of us choosing our own desires and disregarding the needs of others, particularly those who can’t speak for themselves (or who are simply ignored). Jesus tells us that we can’t be that way. We should be bringers of the light, and the ones who shine the light and care for those who are cast aside.
On this day, the last day of this calendar year 2024, may we ask God to help us to do those kind actions that will bring light to those in darkness. May we pray for everyone, and may we pray that we love like Jesus did. I’m avoiding calling this a “new year’s resolution”, because what it really is is a “life resolution”. But, let’s try it for this coming year 2025, and watch how the light grows from our actions!
Action for the Day:
Take time today (and every day that follows) to ask God to show you the actions YOU can do to bring the light to others. You don’t have to do anything fancy or showy, just something that touches another. And, when you get that chance and follow through, thank God for using you as His instrument!
Link to the DEACON5 website: https://deacon5.com/
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