“The people who live in darkness will see a great
light. On those who live in the dark land of death the light will shine.” (Mt
4:16)
Today’s Passages: Mt 4:12-17,
23-25; 1Jn 3:22-4:6
Meditation: Today’s meditation verse gives great comfort to
those who surrender themselves to God; but to others of course it may not be
good news. God is certainly steadfast in his love and promises; he will shed
his light upon those who are in darkness. However, is that enough for our
salvation? It need not be. John says, “This is how the judgment works; the
light has come into the world, but people love the darkness rather than the
light, because their deeds are evil.” (Jn 3:19)
Therefore, we understand that the same news may
become good to some, but not good to others. The good news of Jesus’ birth made
King Herod restless and unhappy, whereas it made the shepherds happy and
joyful. As we are in the very beginning of the new year 2015, let us review
ourselves and see whether Jesus’ birth/Christmas made me happy or not. My being
in the darkness and sin, and Jesus’ coming into the world do not ensure guarantee
of my salvation. For my salvation, I have to surrender myself unto him
completely.
We have already been given the guarantee of our salvation
through the Holy Spirit. St. Paul says, “It is God himself who has set us
apart, who has placed his mark of ownership upon us, and who has given us the
Holy Spirit in our hearts as the guarantee of all that he has in store for us.”
(2Cor 1:22) However, we have to respond to this gift so graciously and
responsibly. How do we respond to it faithfully? Once we received the light of
God, we should not walk in the darkness. Jesus says, “I am the light of the
world. Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in
darkness.” (Jn 8:12)
Who will guide us in the path of life and light?
Surely Holy Spirit will guide each one of us. In the second reading we hear,
“The Spirit who is in you is more powerful than the spirit in those who belong
to the world.” (1Jn 4:4) Again the word of the Lord says, “The Spirit that God
has given you does not make you slaves and cause you to be afraid; instead, the
Spirit makes you God’s children.” (Rom 8:15) Therefore, let us be proud of the
gift of the Holy Spirit and be led by Him so that the light shone upon us be
our mark of salvation.
Prayer: Lord God, we
thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread and especially for the Christmas
season and New Year of 2015. We surrender ourselves before you, O Lord, and
help us to walk always in the light and be free from sins. Give us your Spirit
to be courageous enough in the time of difficulties and dangers of life. We ask
this through Christ our Lord. Amen!
Greetings: God is with you! Have a blissful Monday!
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