Thursday, January 2, 2020

Christmas Weekday

Readings for Today

Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors—Memorial

[John] said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” John 1:23

John the Baptist is alive! Yes, he is alive in Heaven receiving his eternal reward. But he’s also alive in another way. He’s alive in his ongoing proclamation, calling us to repentance and calling us to prepare the way for the Lord in our lives.

His message is just as relevant for us today as it was some 2,000 years ago. At the time he walked the Earth, he preached so as to prepare the immediate way for Christ. He prepared the way for the Messiah to physically enter into our world and present us with the gift of eternal salvation. But St. John continues to prepare the way for the Lord, if we are willing to listen.

We learn from John that the first step to a life of holiness is to “make straight the way of the Lord.” How do we do this? How do we make straight the way of the Lord? We do it by humbly admitting those sins which get in the way of Jesus coming to us and transforming our lives.

Reflect, today, upon the year that is past as well as the year to come. What is it that you need to let go of from the past and what is it that you need to focus on for the coming year. Make a clear resolution to identify any obstacle to the coming of Christ into your heart and let yourself discover the new life that awaits you this coming year.

Lord, You came into this world out of perfect love for me. You came to save me from all sin and You came to deliver me from all evil. Help me to see that which has kept me from You this past year and to surrender it to You. Help me also to have hope and vision for all that awaits and to all which You are calling me. May I heed the words of the Baptist and make the road ahead straight so that I can follow Your perfect will. Jesus, I trust in You.

More Gospel Reflections

Divine Mercy Reflections

Saints/Feasts for Today

Join us on a journey of 365 days with The Divine Mercy!

Daily Reflections on Divine Mercy: 365 Days with Saint Faustina began January 1 with Reflection 1. As we prepare for this new year, we invite you to join us throughout the coming year to daily ponder God’s abundant Mercy. We also invite you to invite family and friends to join us on this journey! Invite them to join us by:

Share the abundant mercy of God with family and friends this new year!

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