John 1:1-18
…Any who did accept him, he empowered to become children of God. These are they who believe in his name – who were begotten not by blood nor by carnal desire, not by man’s willing it, but by God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory of an only Son coming from the Father, filled with enduring love…
Today we are blessed with a Gospel that will make us want to rejoice, celebrate, make joyful noise, dance, and welcome in the New Year with happiness. God lives with us, right here and now. He sent His Son to bring us the fullness of love!
Tonight is New Year’s Eve, so what kind of resolutions do you have on your list? Maybe you can take some ideas from the saints you have studied this season before making resolutions.
St. Francis of Assisi: “Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
St. Andrew, the Apostle: “We have found the Messiah.”
St. Angela Merici: “Reflect that in reality you have a greater need to serve (the poor) than they have of your service.”
St. Francis Xavier: “The better friends you are, the straighter you can talk, but while you are on only nodding terms, be slow to scold.”
St. John the Baptist: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
St. Sebastian: “The devil strains every nerve to secure the souls who belong to Christ.”
St. Nicholas: “The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic His giving, by grace, through faith.”
St. Monica: “This only I ask, that you remember me at the Lord’s altar, wherever you be.”
St. Vincent Ferrer: “If you truly want to help the soul of your neighbor, you should approach God first with all your heart. Ask him simply to fill you with charity, the greatest of all virtues; with it you can accomplish what you desire.”
St. Rose Philippine Duchesne: “He will never let the trial surpass the strength He gives you, and at the very moment you think yourself overwhelmed by sorrow, He will lift you up and give you peace.”
St. Paul of the Cross: “Meditation on Jesus Christ crucified is a precious balm which sweetens all our pains.”
St. Angela of Foligno: “Humility exists only in those who are poor enough to see that they possess nothing of their own.”
St. Elizabeth Hesselblad: “I understood that I could respond to that love only through sacrifice and a love prepared to suffer for His glory and for the Church.”
St. Gianna Beretta Molla: “Our body is a cenacle, a monstrance: through its crystal the world should see God.”
St. Anthony of Padua: “The breadth of charity widens the narrow heart of the sinner.”
St. Stephen: “Lord Jesus, do not hold this sin against them.”
Mary: “Let it be done to me, according to your word.”
Jesus, the Christ: “Love one another, as I have loved you.”
Let us follow the example of these Ornaments of Grace throughout this whole new year.
OBSERVING THE BEAUTIFUL ORNAMENTS
What God-centered resolutions do you have for this new year?
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