31 Dec
Fri
7th Day within Octave of Christmas
1 Jn. 2:18-21
Ps. 95(96): 1-2,11-12,13
Jn. 1:1-18
(Ps Wk I)
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As we come to the end of another year, we need to hear John's message about Jesus the Word bringing light into the darkness of our world. We have seen much darkness in recent days and we fear that there may be even greater darkness ahead. But the Word is "a light that shines in the dark, a light that darkness cannot overpower." As the first reading reminds us "several antichrists have already appeared." These are all the agents of greed and corruption, agents of injustice and exploitation. These are not just faraway threats. They have always been with us and each one of us is tainted with them. But, through our baptism and our incorporation into Christ, we have been endowed with the grace and truth that come to us through him. We are called, like John the Baptist, to be witnesses of light bringing hope and confidence among those who live in fear and darkness. As John tells us elsewhere, true love casts our all fear.



Father, help us to share fully in the life of Jesus our Lord, for through Him comes the salvation that all are searching for.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That our experience of suffering may help us better understand the pain of the many people who are alone, sick, or aged, and stir us to generous help.
Elaboration

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