Gospel: John 1:(1-9), 10-18
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 came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'”)
From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Nicholas Williams RIP (Holy Cross Church) and People of the Parish (Our Lady’s Church).
Reflection:
Most of us have put some fairy lights during this season. It makes me smile every time I see these lights on. When most of the surroundings are dark, these fairy lights give a feeling of hope. And yet, these lights are only temporary. When Christmas is over, we will be packing these lights back into boxes. And if they are already broken, we throw them in the bin. These lights are mere reflections of the true light, The Only Light of the world – Jesus Christ. Unlike the fairy lights which are temporary, Jesus is with us forever. Unlike the fairy lights which can be switched on/off, Jesus does not have a switch. As Deacon Martyn once said, “If God calls you, He won’t let go.” Unlike the fairy lights which rely on its source of energy, Jesus is the very source of everything. “All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.” As we continue to celebrate the Lord’s Birth, let us allow Him to enlighten our lives, especially those aspects we would rather hide from Him: our sins, failures, heartaches, worries, and fears. If we let Jesus shine on us, He will empower us to become children of God.
- Looking back at the previous year, how was Jesus a light for you?
- Looking forward to the New Year, how can Jesus become a light for you?
- How can you make the world know Jesus more?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. O Life and Light of the world make known to us the Father and we will be saved. Amen.
