Identity

We would like to begin 2017 by reminding ourselves of our place in Christ; Have a blessed year.

Who are you? (John 1:19) 

If you’ve ever attended a family reunion, you have heard this question many times. Many families find it helpful to wear name tags and distribute a copy of the family tree at reunions. That way, you can find out who each person is and how they are related to you.

In today’s Gospel, some of the Pharisees asked John this same question: “Who are you?” (John 1:19). Surprisingly, John responded by saying who he was not. It wasn’t until after they had pressed him further that he replied, “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert” (John 1:23). 

Deep in our hearts, God asks us the same question: “Who are you?” Not just your name, but who are you? We’re very good at saying who we are not: “I’m not all that important,” we might answer. “I’m not the smartest or wealthiest or holiest or the most talented.” But still God asks, “Who are you?” Of course he knows the answer, but he wants to make sure you know it as well. So let’s take a look at who God says that you are.

You are loved. You are a child of God, created in his image and likeness. You hold a special place in his heart. He knew you and loved you before you were born (Jeremiah 1:5).

You are irreplaceable. God is pleased with the way that he made you, with your particular gifts and talents that he has given you. You have a unique role to play in this world, and he delights to see you fulfill it (Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 139:13-16).

You are part of God’s family—the Church—with many brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles and cousins. You are never alone (Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:12).

You are a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. God lives within you, teaching you, guiding you, making you holy, and filling you with his love (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Who are you? You aren’t Jesus, but neither was John the Baptist. Like John, however, your whole life can be a voice announcing Jesus’ goodness. 

Take these truths with you today. Remember who you are and to whom you belong. Stand firm when other voices tell you something else. And be ready to remind other people who they are as well. 

“Father, thank you for loving me and making me your child.”

Word for the year (2017)

Today is my last post for 2016. I am grateful for how far the Lord has brought you and I this year as we continued to journey with Him. Even as we crossover to 2017 in some few hours, I pray that you will have a blessed 2017 steeped in the grace and favor of our Lord. Amen

In the beginning was the Word. (John 1:1) 

Happy New Year’s Eve! Right now, people across the world are looking ahead and setting resolutions for the next year. How about you? Do you have special plans? It’s fun to consider the potential a new year holds; it’s almost like beholding a blank canvas. You may even feel that you can draw up a rough sketch of 2017 based on your goals or your calendar.

But wouldn’t it be fascinating to get a glimpse into what God has in mind for you next year? Many people pray to receive a “word for the year” to do just that. This is a single word or phrase that the Spirit brings to their minds while they’re praying or reading the Scriptures. It’s a word that hints at God’s plans for them and his desires for them in the coming year. Patience . . . Rest . . . Know that I am near. These are all real words that people sensed from the Holy Spirit in the quiet of their hearts. While these words are only small glimpses, they lend a splash of color and form to the blank canvas of the new year. Oftentimes, they become helpful points of reference for people as the weeks and months tick on—similar to a vanishing point used by artists.

A word for the year even seems to gel with today’s Gospel. In the beginning was the Word (John 1:1). Who’s to say that Jesus, the living Word of God, won’t give you a heavenly word to begin the year? Remember, John wrote of how Jesus longs to bring his light into the world by pouring out truth and grace upon grace (1:16).

Would you like to know the secret to getting a word for the year? Ask God! It’s that simple. Ask, and then be still. Be aware of any word, thought, or phrase that surfaces in your mind. It could be from God—especially if that word fills you with peace or hope or joy. Or spend some time slowly reading today’s Scripture passages. Watch for the Lord to illuminate a particular verse. Or wait to see if he gives you a word by drawing from the truths in the Mass readings as you carry them in your heart today, just as a painter draws from the colors on his palette.

“Lord, what’s my word for the year?”

from wau.org