The first reading reminds us of the presence of evil in our world and that our anointing makes us aware of that. The psalm is a joyous celebration of our God who brings justice and truth to the world. The Gospel acclamation tells us of God’s gift to us of a filial relationship to those who accept Our Lord Jesus Christ as His Son. The Gospel proclamation is a summary of our faith – the divine creation of the world; the heralding of the coming of Jesus as the true light by the testimony of John the Baptist; the advent of Jesus and, despite His glorious and miraculous works, rejection by His own people; His teaching that grace and truth went far beyond a literal interpretation of the law of Moses; and His gift to us of insights into the nature of God, whom no one but Jesus has seen; and whose message He professed during His Ministry on earth; and with Whom He remains for eternity. Let us spend this day in thanksgiving for the year 2021. Let us be grateful for both the positive and negative events of this year.

Prayer: Abba Father, send your Spirit into our hearts to help us to discern good from evil by remembering the teachings of Your Son. Amen.