Every January 1, we commemorate two celebrations with civil and religious bearing.

Secularly speaking, January 1 is a day the Romans celebrated their god, Janus. He is the god of beginnings and transitions. Janus is usually depicted as having two faces, with one looking at the future and the other looking to the past. Janus reminds us that there is no reason to look back when you have so much to look forward to. Friends, don’t look back. We are not going that way. Forget the past. We are not defined by it. Don’t lose your present to your past. Replaying it over and over again will only ruin your present. Year 2019 is telling us that a brand-new future awaits you.

In religious parlance, January 1 is the Solemnity of the Motherhood of Mary. She is the Theotokos, meaning the “bearer of Christ”. As we start this year, we are reminded to begin by bringing Jesus with us. Bring only Jesus, not your pride, not your arrogance, not your anger, nor your resentments and disappointments. Bring Jesus with you, only Jesus and always Jesus.

Finally, our first reading for today is a beautiful prayer to start our wonderful year. Friends, let me end my reflection with this prayer: “May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace. Happy Holy New year folks.”

Blessings
Fr. Jhack