Reflection for Thursday, Dec. 31

At the end of a year filled with the darkness of the coronavirus, a year for many filled with pain, suffering, loss, open hatred, and discrimination, the Gospel of John reminds us of the beginning. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God. Six days ago, we celebrated the birth of Jesus, the Incarnation. God took flesh and dwells among us. There is nothing we have to endure without the presence of God with us.

 Many people will be happy to see the end of 2020. And yet, amongst the darkness there was light. A light does shine in the darkness. I saw it in the many doctors, nurses, and medical staff who put their own lives at risk to tend to the sick and dying. I saw it in the many volunteers who provided food for those in need. I saw it in the kindness of neighbors who looked out for the elderly, delivering groceries, sending notes of encouragement, and trying to relieve the loneliness of isolation. Even in this year of trials and hardship, love was celebrated in new marriages and the birth of new children. We strove to creatively celebrate events while social distancing.

 In times of darkness, we are drawn to the light and the bearers of light. I have spent the past month with my new grandson and have been amazed at how drawn he is to light. The scriptures today remind us that we are children of light. Let us carry the light of Christ to all we meet. Light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not overcome it. As we greet a New Year, let us be people of light and hope for our world.

Mary Marsan