Daily Catholic Lectio. Tue, 31 December ’24. All by him!

Daily Catholic Lectio

Tue, 31 December ‘24

VII Day in Christmas Octave

1 John 2:18-21. John 1:1-18

All by him!

We are on the last day of the calendar year 2024! Today’s gospel reading is a powerful reminder of who Christ is and who we are in Him. Three expressions here capture essential truths to guide us with hope, lift our sights high, and encourage us to adopt an abundance mindset.

(a) “In Him Was Life” (John 1:4)

John begins by reminding us that Jesus, the eternal Word, is the very source of life itself. As we look back on the past year, we might recall moments of doubt, difficulty, or seeming darkness. However, the darkness has never overcome the light of Christ—and it never will. “In Him was life” reminds us that, no matter what the world looks like, we belong to the One who conquered darkness. Our hope rests in His sustaining power. Let us face the new year recognizing that our life is hidden in Christ, who offers us not just survival, but abundant, flourishing life.

(b) “He Made Them Children of God” (John 1:12)

At the heart of the Christmas season is this astonishing gift: God invites us into His own family. Through Jesus, “He gave power to become children of God.” Our Father is the King of the universe; therefore, our inheritance is one of favour, blessing, and divine love. As children of God, we are called to set our minds higher than the passing troubles of this world. We must remember who we are: beloved sons and daughters. This identity shapes how we live, how we pray, and how we love. When our vision of ourselves matches God’s vision of us, the darkness of self-doubt and fear diminishes.

(c) “We Have Received in Full” (John 1:16)

“From His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” This verse paints a powerful image of an outpouring that never runs dry—an invitation to adopt an abundance mindset. Where the world often speaks of scarcity, Jesus speaks of overflowing grace. He has already given us every spiritual blessing we need. On this last day of the calendar year, let us shed any mindset of lack or limitation. Instead, trust that in Christ, we have enough strength, wisdom, and love to face each day ahead. Abundance, not scarcity, defines the children of God.

A Word of Encouragement

As we close one year and open another, hold onto the truth that darkness will never overcome the light within you. Set your mind on Christ’s high calling as a child of God, and walk into the new year with a heart open to receive all the fullness He has prepared.

All things were by Him. And this year was by him. We may not know that the future holds for us in 2025, but we know the one who holds that future for us. With open hearts and broad minds let us enter the new year.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy