take out the garbage of 2001
"Children, it is the final hour." —1 John 2:18
On this last day of the year, let us:
- take out all the garbage of the year 2001 and any other years,
- finish any unfinished business,
- repent and confess all our sins,
- forgive all who have sinned against us (see Mt 6:12),
- be reconciled with those who have something against us (see Mt 5:23ff),
- answer every calling from God, and
- obey all God's commands.
Let's not wait till next year to accept the graces of this year. We don't want the baggage of past years to make it even more difficult to meet the challenges of next year.
When Jesus died, He said: "It is finished" (Jn 19:30). Jesus gave glory to the Father by finishing the work the Father gave Him to do (Jn 17:4). Paul prayed: "I put no value on my life if only I can finish my race and complete the service to which I have been assigned by the Lord Jesus" (Acts 20:24). "I am sure of this much: that He Who has begun the good work in you will carry it through to completion, right up to the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil 1:6). The Lord finishes what He starts. Let Him finish up 2001 today.
Prayer: Father, cleanse the temple of my heart (see Lk 19:45).
Promise: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we have seen His glory: the glory of an only Son coming from the Father, filled with enduring love." —Jn 1:14
Praise: Pope St. Sylvester led the Church, threatened by heresy and schism, to the Truth.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, May 30, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 4, 2001