“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.” (Jn 1:5)

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.” (Jn 1:5)  

Today’s Passage: Jn 1:1-18

Meditation: Today’s meditation verse gives us a lot to reflect upon as we draw near to the last hours of the year 2014. This is the time for each one of us to evaluate and envisage for the New Year 2015. Though all the New Year greetings carry hope for a bright and prosperous year, we find at the end of the year many failings and desperation. Even then, we trust in the future; not in the failures but in the success, not in the death but in the resurrection, and not in the desperation but in the hope.

The word of the Lord says, “The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.” (Jn 1:4, 5) If we review ourselves or go back to the events of year 2014, we see many elements that are both positive and negative. Some may find a huge list of corruption, injustice, violence, intolerance, and racial and caste discriminations etc. and say there is no hope at all. Of course, counter arguments are also there.

However, what is the basis of our Christian hope? The word of the Lord says, “God who is the source of life has brought light to all human beings.” (Jn 1:4) This light is real and authentic and it cannot be put it out by darkness. On Christmas day, we proclaimed that the eternal Word became flesh and dwelt among us; the ever living God, the Lord of history has intervened in the history. This is to save all human beings from all their bondage through his passion, death, and resurrection.

Therefore, our hope is in Jesus Christ, who is the savior of the world. Without fear or anxiety we step into the New Year, for He is already there. He is with us always; Emmanuel, till the end of the world. Let us not be discouraged then of these negative elements, but go ahead, that he is with us. The risen Lord, Jesus says, “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Mt 28:20)

There may be some disappointments in lives, but a true devout like Job encourages today with his powerful faith, “We accept good things from God; and should we not accept evil?” (Job 2:10). And St. Paul complements it saying, “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28) This is the motto that moves me ahead in my priestly life. 

    

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread and especially for the year of 2014. Throughout the year, both in positives and negatives, you were with us; guiding and protecting. We thank you and praise you Jesus! We are sorry for our failings; have mercy on us! Give us, O Lord, your Spirit that we may understand you better on our knees and be with you throughout the New Year 2015. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a blissful last day of the year 2014…