What do we know about this new year, 2021? We know that the pandemic will continue to shape how we live until the promise of the vaccines is realized. It took more than a year to eradicate polio, and it may take more than a year to eradicate this virus. But just as the polio vaccine wiped out the disease, so the vaccines developed over the past year hold the same promise.
We also know that as a society we need to change how we live, not only in developing healthier lifestyles but in how the values we claim we have really reflect themselves in our society. We need to move beyond our focus on just making money for the few and remember that we are measured by how we treat the least of these, as Jesus said.
We need to focus less on things and more on the spirit. And that’s always easier said than done. This day should be a day of reflection to help us move into 2021 with the determination that we can change our lives and build a more humane society.
Prayer for the Day
We know, O God, you love us not because of our merits
But as parents love their children whom they have created;
You teach us, O Lord, to reach out to the world wherein we live,
The world of which we are stewards, not owners.
Fill our minds with the light of truth, our hearts with the grace of love,
And our deeds with the power of your Spirit.
In the name of him who shows us how to live with grace,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes.
- G. K. Chesterton, English writer (1874-1936)
We spend January 1st walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives...not looking for flaws, but for potential.
- Ellen Goodman, American writer
One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works I meditate.
The might of your awesome deeds shall be proclaimed . . .
They shall celebrate your abundant goodness and sing aloud of your righteousness.
Psalm 145: 4-7