The last hour

 

We stand on the cliff of the end of 2020 — and I think, for most people, it’s a welcome ending, an impetus to take an eraser to our past and resolve to be better people: to repair broken relationships, to restore ourselves emotionally, to refresh ourselves spiritually, to rebuild ourselves physically… an opportunity to just “get it right”, to “sing a new song.” (Psalm 96:1). 

I reflected today on the First Letter of John where he says, "Children, it is the last hour." (1John 2:18-21)

As each year closes, it’s common to look back and see what has transpired; it gives happenings a better perspective and explains many things that previously may have gone unnoticed.  We reflect on what our past year has been like.  For some of our family and friends—in fact, for most of the world, it was a year of grief and sadness and loss.  We weep with them and are glad the year is done, though the grieving will continue.  For some though, it’s still been a year of joy and triumph.  We should celebrate with them.  For most of us, the year has been a combination of ups and downs.  As we end the year and reflect on all that’s happened, there’s a constant.  In time of sorrow and in time of happiness and in that middle time we most often inhabit, there is God.  We can turn to Him for comfort, for thanksgiving, for strength and for guidance.  We mustn’t lose faith.

I believe that no one can “lose” faith.  All of humankind has faith—it’s just that some don’t know where it is at times.  Jesus is the light that tears away the darkness so it can be found.  And when faith is found, there’s a new beginning.

As we continue through John’s letter, he says, “you have the anointing that comes from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge …  and the truth.”  

And John’s Gospel says:

“He was in the beginning with God.

All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be.

What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:1-18)

As dark as things get, the light of Jesus shines in the darkness and draws us in.  We have to be open to the light and to become part of the light ourselves.  That’s a resolution worth renewing every day: To be a light when those around you are sad.  To be a light when you would rather cover your head with the blankets and not climb out of bed.  To be a light when you know it’s time to do the right thing, no matter what others are doing.  To be a light by telling (and showing) everyone you encounter, “I love you!”

Let’s extinguish the old year.  We start the year tomorrow with the feast honoring our Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.  She’s the mother of us all, given to us by Christ from the Cross. (John 19:27)

What better way to conclude the year than the reminder that God always was and always will be and that He loves us eternally.  We place ourselves under His protection and that of our Blessed Virgin Mother, and so we step forward in faith!

It’s time to “sing to the lord a new song.”  To give thanks to God and ask for help in becoming that light in the year ahead.  If we’re serious about being a follower of Jesus, this is the time to start; it might really be the last hour, our last chance.