In the beginning of this new year, we may have already lost the joy of the feast of Christmas. Spiritually, we may have run out of wine, as they did at the wedding feast of Cana (Jn 2:3). Yet once again, Jesus will change the simple elements of daily life into the fine wine of love, joy, and peace in the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22). No matter how cold and blue January seems to us, Jesus will warm our hearts with the fire of His love.
Life seems long and hard. We are weary and burdened (see Mt 11:28). We are depressed and restless. Our pleasures and distractions leave us more empty than ever. It's hard to face the reality of January. The Super Bowl is the most compelling distraction in January, but we know in our hearts that the Super Bowl is merely a super-hype and just one more way to manipulate consumers. The only way not to run out of the joy in life, the only way to be happy and not just entertained, the only way to love January is to love Jesus.
Jesus is still saying: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you" (Mt 11:28). He alone can give us life to the full (Jn 10:10).
| PRAYER: | Jesus, if not for You... |
| PROMISE: | "It is one and the same Spirit Who produces all these gifts, distributing them to each as He wills." –1 Cor 12:11 |
| PRAISE: | Praise You, risen Jesus! Your burden is light and Your love refreshes. I will praise You, Lord, all my life (Ps 146:2). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College