Gospel for December 31 2023 – Luke 2:22-40
Gospel Reflections for December 31 2023
A Child shall lead them…
We have a lot of problems in our world: Middle East and Ukraine conflicts, and perhaps those in your family as well.
The Holy Family of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus also lived in times of great unrest and anxiety. Yet they were at peace. What was their secret?
The Holy Family reveals something about how problems are solved when brothers and sisters fight each other. They look above …to their parents …to fix things. Children will cry out to their parents, “Make him stop hurting me!” Children know they cannot find justice and peace at their own level. Children look for that higher authority to bring relief.
Mary and Joseph knew just where to look as well, to God above, but they also knew that God had sent His own Son to be with them, and all of us, into their family. They looked to Jesus for answers. Let us join them and look to Our lord for the justice and peace we all want now.
Jesus showed us the way to go forward in peace even in our world today. We can summarize the wise advice He might give us.
Be humble. Don’t jump to conclusions. Recognize that it is difficult to know all the facts in confusing situations. Be curious why others have different opinions. Patiently seek the truth.
Tell the truth. If you are a witness to any real sinful event, just tell the truth. Don’t shade things to advance political or personal agendas.
Be Courageous. Stand up for what is right and just, and do not be afraid. Never fear to politely and respectfully speak up for our Catholic faith. Muslims today must especially stand in solidarity against their violent Radical Islamic terrorists, and protect genuine religious freedom and respect for innocent people.
I am glad that Jesus arrived as a little child, since it is vulnerable children that get the most attention. We are both compassionately drawn to them for their vulnerability and courageously act to always protect them.
Like Mary and Joseph, choose to focus on Jesus from now on. He has the words of eternal life, and the way forward to peace and justice. He is the only one who can provide a truly Happy New Year!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Dear Father Dave,
Truly, Jesus is our Divine answer.
I hope your Christmas was blessed and your New Year will be filled with more blessings of health and happiness.
Thank you so much for your faithfulness to your weekly enlightened message ministry.
God bless you now and always.
Kathleen
Thank you, and Happy New Year!
Dear Father Dave,
As I have always appreciated, you have the right message at the right time. I hope 2024 is a more peaceful and constructive year for the world.
Best, Linda
That is my prayer as well!
Love your precious words Father Dave as always!!! Jesus knew you would be His apostle of Love sharing His love with the world and transforming it in His Love!!!Kathleen Auth who wrote above is a beautiful writer and beautiful artist and a beautiful friend!!!!!! She did the pictures in my book ” Mary A Woman in Love”!!!You both are a beautiful part of my heart with your words and Kathleen picture of Mary of Love!!! I’m mentioning this to you for Kathleen’s heart is filled with our Jesus and our Blessed Mother’s LOVE!!! A precious New Year to you and Dick and I are so gifted as well as so many others to have you in our and their lives!!! Love precious You!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Thank you!
Thank you Father Dave for your weekly reflections and special reports throughout the year.
God bless you in the New Year
Thank you, and Happy New Year!