1 John 2:18-21 / John 1:1-18
It is said that every ending is a new beginning, and that every beginning will have an eventual ending.
And as with every beginning, it is seems the hardest but we must persevere if we want a good ending.
The two readings of today talked about beginnings and endings.
The 1st readings begins with "Children, these are the last days ... " and it goes on to say the enemies of the Church, those antichrists, have appeared.
Yet, those enemies, those antichrists, came out of within the Church. And that is a disturbing thought.
If that is the case, then what happened? The 1st reading says that they had never really belonged to Christ.
Or it may be said that they began well but then they probably got disillusioned, got distracted, got deceived and finally departed from the Church and turned against the Church.
But what happened to them can also happen to us and indeed it has happened and we have not heard the last of it yet.
But the 1st reading brings us back to where it all started, and it is also to remind us of where it all started for us.
We believe that Jesus is the Word of God made flesh and dwells among us. He is the true light that shines in and through our darkness so that we can see where and in who will be our ending.
So as we come to the last day of the year, let us make a good beginning for the new year. And here are just some reminders as we prepare for a new beginning.
Before we assume, learn the facts. Before we judge, understand why. Before we hurt someone, feel. Before we speak, think. And before we start anything, pray.