DAILY- HOMILY

December 31, 2018 – MONDAY, Christmas Weekday

St. Sylvester I, Pope White.

1 Jn 2: 18- 21 / Jn 1: 1 - 18

[New Year's Eve]

St. Sylvester (d. 335) was elected Pope in 314. He contributed to the spread of Christianity after Emperor Constantine (272 - 337) published the Edict of Milan (313) which guaranteed freedom to Christians to practice their religion. He was represented by delegates at the Ecumenical Council of Nicea (325).

FROM THE 1ST READING:             1 Jn 2: 18, 20- 21

My dear children, it is the last hour. You were told that an antichrist would come; but several antichrists have already come, by which we know that it is now the last hour....

You have the anointing from the Holy One, so that all of you have true wisdom.

I write to you, not because you lack knowledge of the truth, but because you already know it, and lies have nothing in common with the truth.

FROM THE GOSPEL READING:     Jn 1: 1 - 5, 9- 14

In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God and the Word was God; he was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him and without him nothing came to be.. Whatever has come to be found life in him, life which for humans was also light. Light that shines in the dark: light that darkness could not overcome....

For the light was coming into the world, the true Light that enlightens everyone. He was already in the world and through him the world was made, the very world that did not know him.

He came to his own yet his own people did not receive him; but all who have received him he empowers to become children of God for they believe in his Name. These are born, but without seed or carnal desire or will of man: they are born of God.

And the Word was made flesh; he had his tent pitched among us, and we have seen his Glory, the Glory of the only Son coming from the Father: fullness of truth and loving kindness.

REFLECTION

In the first reading John warns us about the coming and teachings of various antichrists.. With the guidance and help of the Holy Spirit, we should remain faithful to the truth we have already been given.

The Gospel reading is the beautiful Prologue to the Gospel of John the beloved disciple which summarizes salvation history and God's love and kindness centered in the coming of the Word-made-Man: "And the Word was made flesh; he had his tent pitched among us, and we have seen his Glory, the Glory of the only Son coming from the Father, fullness of truth and loving kindness.."

At year end we thank God for the past year, good or bad, all blessings from him. At year end we ask God to forgive our failures and shortcomings during the past year. At year end and as we begin a new year we ask God to continue to bless, guide and protect us. We ask for continuing faith and hope in him and for unfailing love for him.

FINALLY, WE PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER, FOR THOSE WHO HAVE ASKED OUR PRAYERS AND FOR THOSE WHO NEED OUR PRAYERS THE MOST. 

Have a good day!

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   |  The Daily Prayer, a service and an apostolate of the

   |  priests, laity and friends of Mary the Queen Parish

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