GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 31ST DECEMBER 2016
SEVENTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS
1ST READING: 1John 2:18-21
PSALM: Psalm 96:1-2, 11-12, 13
GOSPEL: John 1:1-18
THEME: SURVIVORS OF 2016
Survivors of a plane crash or any fatal accident know too well that they survived not because they were smart but just because “something” kept them alive. Some call it “luck”, others call it “destiny” but perhaps the expression, “amazing grace” best describes such a situation.
We may all not have had accidents this year but if you are reading this message right now, count yourself among the survivors of the year 2016. Think about the tokens of love; count your blessings. Call to mind what the Lord has done for you over the past months and you would discover that the grace of God is real.
Our Gospel text describes the Word made flesh as “full of grace and truth” and that “from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (Jn. 1:14 &16).
Indeed Jesus, the Word made flesh, is full of grace. He made a big difference in the lives of many people this year. There are some who landed into serious troubles but the grace of the Lord brought them out. Others came face to face with death but they escaped unscathed. Let truth be told, even the bad could have been worse, and the worse, worst but somehow grace came to our aid. It was the unmerited favour of God that carried us through the storms of 2016. Yes, we survived! Indeed, “to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God” (Jn 1:12). In Christ we have found the grace we need for the race.
With the same grace of our Lord Jesus Christ on our side, favour will continue to locate us in the year 2017. Yes, with grace and hard work, we can accomplish unimaginable and inconceivable feats in honour of the Lord and to the glory of his name.
Today, as we stand at the threshold of a new year, let us with a deep sense of gratitude thank God for his faithfulness. Let us thank Him for every grace received and pray for a fruitful new year.
PRAYER: With a grateful heart, I thank you Lord for all that you have done in my life this year. Today, I entrust myself anew into your care and under your protection. Be glorified in my life in the coming year. For the sake of your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Andrews Obeng, svd
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)
“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace. And may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all people” (St. Arnold Janssen).