Daily Gospel Reflection for December 31, 2024

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: John 1:1-18

On the secular calendar, The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas is New Year's Eve. For many of us, this is a natural time to take stock of our lives, discern where changes need to be made, and re-orient ourselves for the new year ahead. Though the arrival of a new calendar year is not a religious event, it is still a good time to recommit to our efforts to grow in the faith.

Today's Gospel, St. John's beautiful description of the Incarnation, is the perfect reading to help us begin a new year on the right foot. Prior to Vatican II, this Gospel was read at the end of every Mass, and it's easy to understand why. It reminds us of the basic truth at the center of Catholic teaching. The Word, Jesus, came down from heaven to live among us and to bring us grace and truth. Whatever is waiting for us in the next hour, day, week, month, or year, our strength to face it will come from the grace of God, and our comfort will come from His Truth.

There are lots of ways our society marks the start of the new year, from weight loss programs to spending plans to exercise regimens. For us, though, the best thing we can do as the new year begins is to focus on our Lord and plan to follow Him over these next twelve months and beyond.

Ponder:

What faith practice will I take up or continue to maintain my focus on the Word, Jesus, in this new year?

Pray:

Lord, help me to always recognize the importance of Your Incarnation and to live my daily life according to the truth You have revealed to us.

Copyright 2024 Katie Fitzgerald