Gospel Reflection for 3rd January

The 2nd Sunday after Christmas

Jesus the Light of the World

In his song, ‘So this is Christmas’ John Lennon sang, ‘another year over and new one just begun.’ I think is a very suitable way to begin not only this reflection, but this New Year! Like me, you are more than likely glad to the back and the end of 2020. The impact of what we all experienced last year is by no means over and done with it. Many of us are still dealing with some form of lock down, social restrictions and distancing and are unable to visit friends and families freely. Many of us are now living the painful impact of bereavement because someone we have loved or known has died. However, because of the wonderful news that vaccines with which to treat Covid 19 are now being administered at least in some countries, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. While most of us will have to wait until well into the New Year to receive a vaccine injection, we can continue to pray the great Advent phrase and look to the future now with joyful hope.

The name for the month ‘January’ comes from the Roman god Janus. The Romans honoured and paid homage Janus at this time of the year. His statue had two faces; one that looked forward and the other that backwards. This gave rise to the saying farewell to the old year and welcoming the new one. The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions also comes from this ancient ritual, one that we keep to this very day as we begin a New Year. Perhaps, now we are more hopeful and optimistic as 2021 begins. What are you hopes, dreams and expectations for the year ahead? Whatever they are let remember that we are not alone; God is with us. Perhaps these words from Old Testament can encourage us and give us hopes these days; The Lord says, ‘Do not cling to the past or dwell on what has happened. Watch for the new things that I am doing – they are happening already, you can see them now.’ Allowing for the unusual Christmas we may have celebrated, these early days of January can leave us feeling a little sad as we prepare to take the tree down and put away the decorations. Our homes can look a little duller and darker with all the lights removed. However, the gospel today tells us that (Jesus) the Word is the true light that enlightens all people. Later in John’s Gospel Jesus will clearly and loudly proclaim; ‘I am the Light of the world.’ Jesus is not only the light of the world; he is the light for the world and for each one of us personally, especially as we begin this New Year.

There was a man who was fearful and anxious as the New Year began. He prayed and said to God, ‘Give me a light so that I can walk into the New Year without fear.’ There was silence and then he heard God reply, ‘No, I will not give you a light; you take my hand and we will walk into this New Year together. Do not be afraid.’

We pray that we will have the courage and humility to place our hand into Gods, so we too can walk into the New Year with God taking each step with us. As we take our first steps into 2021, may we experience the power of presence of Emmanuel; God-is-with-us.

Come Holy Spirit, breath and life of God, be with us today.  Be our light, our guide and protector.  May this New Year be a time of renewed joy for us, our families and our world; a time for welcoming new gifts, new graces and new Hope. Amen.