December 31 2019 - The Last Gospel

Prior to the reforms of the Second Vatican council, mass would conclude with a reading from the prologue of Saint John’s Gospel , as we heard just proclaimed: “In principio erat Verbum, et Verbum erat apud Deum, et Deus erat Verbum...”, it was called the Last Gospel because it was part of the concluding rite of the Mass.  Well, it is the last Gospel of the year for us on this last day of the year 2019. 

The Last Gospel calls our attention to the beginning, the Eternal Word who was with God before time began and at the beginning of the world, through Him the world was made. The Last Gospel calls our attention to the beginning of our salvation, the birth of the Eternal Word made flesh. He who is beyond the comprehension of man becomes man to enlighten and save us.

Three hundred sixty-five days this year the Word sought to enter into our humanity, into our lives, that His light and His glory might be manifest in us, that the invisible might be made visible through us.

I think the last day of the year is always a reflective day, because it urges us to consider, did I allow the Eternal Word to become flesh in my life or not? How did I keep his light from shining, his glory from emanating.

2020 will begin, tomorrow, liturgically with the Feast of Mary, Mother of God in whose womb, the Word made his first humble dwelling.  We turn to her motherly intercession, that she may accompany us, and nurture us as we might become like her.

On this last day of 2019, we thank God for all he has achieved in us, and anticipate with open hearts what he still desires to achieve through us, with us, and in us this upcoming year. May we be more attentive and responsive to the needs of those around us.  And may we resolve this new year to be, like Mary, more open, more obedient, more humble to the Word of God for His glory and the salvation of souls.

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We bring forth now our prayers of petitions.

For the conversion of all those who have turned their hearts from Christ, for those who have fallen into serious sin, for a strengthening of all of the faithful in virtue. And That God may bring the faithless to believe in His Son and increase the faith of those struggling to believe.

For Christians who are persecuted throughout the world, especially those who face martyrdom, that they may have a faith that is constant and pure.

For the safety of all those celebrating the New Year this evening, safety from physical harm and preservation from sin.

For those oppressed by hunger, sickness or loneliness, that through the mystery of the Nativity of Christ, they may find relief in both mind and body.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord