Because of His mercy

As each calendar year nears its end, people generally take a look back at the year to consider what has happened and what they have done.

This has been a difficult year for many: with economic and financial challenges for many people, family, and nations.

But as the calendar year draws to a close, we also celebrate the great solemnity of Christmas: a day that is more than just the unwrapping of presents and the sharing of a meal – it is the day when we celebrate the most powerful and wonderful gift ever to enter our world.

Saint Paul eloquently reminds us of this in the second reading for the Mass of Christmas at dawn (Titus 3:4-7).

When the kindness and generous love
of God our savior appeared,
not because of any righteous deeds we had done
but because of his mercy,
He saved us through the bath of rebirth
and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
whom he richly poured out on us
through Jesus Christ our savior,
so that we might be justified by his grace
and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

It’s not about us.

It’s not about what we have done.

And ultimately what is truly important and wonderful is not what we can force into existence by cleverness, exertion, or money.

What is truly important and wonderful is because of God’s mercy.

On this Christmas Day,
in the days of Christmas to follow,
and in the new year to come
may you and I be focused upon
and channels of
the mercy of God
in the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.