new year, dec. 31 tues

As we are about to end the year, our gospel says, “in the beginning.”  As we are about to close 2013, we hear proclaimed that Jesus was with God from the beginning. 

This day is an invitation to look back, to assess what had been, to look into what we have gone through and to measure these up with him who was there with us from the very beginning.   Before the year even ended some have already passed the verdict saying that this year is annus horribilis – a horrible year – what with the earthquake, the typhoons, the PDAF, the unending increases in our electricity and gasoline.  I do not know with you.  But many times it depends on how you look at things and from what perspective are we coming from.   Coming from the perspective of a God who was already there in the beginning guiding the course of history, and a God who is Immanuel, the God who is our constant companion can make for a more optimistic view of what is happening to us, making these as opportunities rather than the curse and the evil destiny of our family, our country and people.

Today, the last day of 2013 is also a day to look forward, to make projections and plans, to make resolutions that would improve if not change things for the better.  Instead of buying rounded fruits to invite good, or burn your money on firecrackers to ward off evil, why don’t we all spend a time for quiet reflection and plan ahead.  Evil or bad fortune will always be there bisan ano mo pa na ka tabog.  But it is how you allow evil and misfortune to determine your decisions, your actions that matter in your life.  It is how you allow these to control and influence your reactions that will determine the outcome of the year ahead. 

And finally our responsorial psalm invites us to sing a new song, to be glad in the Lord for what has been, and to be glad in the Lord because of his promises in the future.  The assessment of the past and the projections for the future are all founded on our trust and confidence in his constant help and protection.  Let us thank the Lord for all that has been and let us renew our faith in him for all that will be.

To end let me read to you a new year’s blessing that will keep us confident in God in the year ahead of us.  The blessing says:

May God make your year a happy one!
Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain,
But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes;
Not by making your path easy,
But by making you sturdy to travel any path;
Not by taking hardships from you,
But by taking fear from your heart;
Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,
But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;
Not by making your life always pleasant,
But by showing you when people and their causes need you most,
and by making you anxious to be there to help.
God’s love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead.