December 31, 2019 – 7^th Day of the Octave of Christmas and last day of 2019

Click here for the readings http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/123119.cfm

Homily

Today is the last day of this year 2019. I am sure that each of us here have many stories to tell of what happened the past year. There must be difficulties and sorrows, problems and struggles that you have to wrestle. However, at the same time also, there must be blessings and graces that we have received from the Lord. I am sure too that there were many encounters with other people that made our year 2019 memorable and wonderful.

And so, for all that has been, I would like to invite you now that we observe a minute of silence and close our eyes to thank the Lord for his grace and favor upon us. 

(A minute silence)

Let us remember, that before God spoke to create the world, there was only the silence of God. It was from that silence of God also, that God speaks. In the Gospel of John, we are reminded that “in the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God and the Word was God.” And this Word became flesh who made his dwelling among us.

God invites us that as we are about to close 2019, let us also be more receptive of God’s Word, of allowing God to speak to us through the many experiences we have in this year 2019. We can only be more receptive of God’s word and of his voice when we also choose consciously to be silent.

Thus,  in the few hours before the closing of 2019 and beginning of 2020, stay in silence for a while for 10 minutes or more. You do not have to say your memorized prayers on your mind. No need for words. No need for mental prayers. Just allow yourself to be embraced by silence and allow God to speak to you through your experiences in this past year.

As we allow God to speak to us, we may be assured of His presence as we also welcome a new year. Hinaut pa.

Jom Baring, CSsR