The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Didn’t really think about this until I read someone’s Facebook post this afternoon – today is the last Sunday of 2020.

Finally.

I’m never one to wish time away, but this year sure has been a long one. This time next week we will be in 2021 and (hopefully) on our way to a much better year.

I had to chuckle in church today because the second reading was from Colossians, and it’s a very popular one in our family. For as long as I can remember when we were in church, everyone’s eyes in my family would always turn towards mom and dad when the lector spoke those famous words…… “Wives be submissive to your husbands.” We would always see Dad smiling and pointing towards Mom. The next line in that passage is “Husbands, love your wives.” As much as my Mom does for my Dad, he equally does as much for her.

I kept thinking about my parents during the homily, as Father spoke a lot about covenants. The first reading told the story of Abraham and Sarah and their son, Isaac. God made a covenant with Abraham and – even when things seemed impossible – He kept true to His word and blessed them with a son.

As children of God we are all part of the same covenant with Him. The Lord has promised good to all of us, and – as Father reminded us today – trusting in God is good. We must all continue to look forward and see in faith what the Lord has promised us. Even though there is so much uncertainty in the world currently, there is nothing uncertain with the Lord.

The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is a special one for me. I always feel so full of potential – thinking about the upcoming year and the ‘clean slate’ I feel we’re all gifted on January 1st. This year as I begin to plan out my 2021, I’m going to try and focus on the covenant that Father spoke of today. Even when things appeared impossible, God followed through on His promise to His faithful servant. I have felt separated and alone at times over the past nine months. This quarantine has had that effect on several of us. We need to remember that we are not alone. Not only is the Lord with us always, we DO have each other.

Even when we are wearing our masks, Father reminded us today that we can still look each other in the eye. As we move forward into 2021, let’s make it a point to look forward in faith – and make eye contact with our fellow brothers and sisters. We may be in different boats, but we’re all sailing through the same COVID storm. Keep your eyes and heart focused on the one who can calm the waters.

Happy New Year – and see you back here next Sunday.