Celebrating the Christmas Season -27 December: the Feast of St John Apostle and Evangelist
“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”
Daily Meditation:
Blessed are those that fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Psalm 128
Every son or daughter can read the first reading and let it be a life long guide.
The second reading is a wonderful guide for family life.
We could all do well to prepare our New Year’s resolution desires from here.
The gospel is from Luke and brings us back to Mary.
A sword will pass through her faithful heart.
May God bless all our families with fidelity and courage in loving as we have been loved.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which you were also called in one body.
And be thankful. Colossians 3
Closing Prayer:
God of such faithfulness,
we are a big and messy family;
both as humans – and in my own family.
Help me today to be especially patient and loving
and to forgive those who have hurt me.
We may not look like “The Holy Family” I see in paintings,
yet we are united with Jesus, Mary and Joseph
because in Your great love for us
You sent Your son to live in this world
and to share in our human experience.
Sometimes I forget the sacredness of our family life
and the privilege it is to be together in this bond.
Help me not only love others as You love us,
but to be more aware of those families in the world
who struggle so much with poverty, war and disease.
Help me to pray with and for them today
and to carry an awareness of all families fleeing for safety,
longing for the peace you offer to us all.
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen
AnaStpaul 