1 Jn. 2:18-21 | Ps. 96:1-2, 11-13 | Jn. 1:1-18

The first reading reminds us that if we believe, we will remain faithful to God.  The Gospel, while familiar to us, may be a very challenging Gospel to understand and to live out.  We know the words. We have heard them over and over again.  Perhaps this is one of our challenges, that is, to read and listen to these words with new ears as if we are hearing them for the first time.  God will remain faithful and help us to hear with these new ears.

The first five verses are wonderful verses to help us understand what stewardship is all about.  It is very clear from this section that what I am, what I have, how I have grown, all comes from God.  There is nothing that I did to earn these gifts, and there is nothing I can do to keep them.  In fact, the more I try to hold on, the more I lose these gifts.  God is promising us life to the fullest.  What greater gift can we receive?  What greater response than to graciously accept the gift and then give thanks to God for those gifts.

Pause today as we close out this year to give thanks for all that happened.  Ask God to bless you for the new year that you may be a great steward of all your gifts.