Dear Readers, As we Catholics continue to celebrate the Christmas season, many other people have taken down the Christmas trees. They have carefully put away the decorations until next year. The stores are putting out Valentine’s Day decorations. Christmas is already a memory. I find myself whispering, “Father, forgive them. For they know not what they do.” We, however, are just getting started!
In today’s first reading, we read, “Do not love the world or the things of the world.
If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world,
sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life,
is not from the Father but is from the world.
Yet the world and its enticement are passing away.
But whoever does the will of God remains forever. 1 Jn 2:15-17
To Know
I am reminded how blessed we are to know. To know Him, to know the liturgical celebrations, to know the real meaning. So, on this sixth day of Christmas, I encourage you to rejoice! Give God the proper praise and worship, continue to be an example to your families. Do not get caught up in what the world is doing… or not doing.
Let’s try our best to be like Anna in today’s gospel reading. She worshipped both day and night with fasting and prayer. I challenge you to offer a few extra prayers, deny yourself something as a sacrifice for a special intention or for the souls in Purgatory.
And, finally, give thanks. Give thanks for everything. How blessed we are to be able to give thanks.
