Matthew 10:22
You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.
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After all the drinking, eating and merry-making, all that is left would be leftovers. It has always been the case through these years – we would cook and prepare so much food that we cannot really consume them all. So, we share them with others – we invite our neighbors to eat with us, or we send some food to our relatives. In all, it gives us full satisfaction seeing bountiful blessings for the season and the coming new year.
As we anticipate the coming of the new year, we would always yearn for more blessings from Him. There may not be enough leftovers, but having something to sooth our hunger and thirst would be enough. However, having Him in our hearts would be of utmost importance. We can have Him more and more and more, overflowing from our hearts so we can have the chance to share Him with others. In today's gospel, He reminds us that we would be hated because of Him, and yet we must endure everything for His name. He came to the world not to enjoy life, but to suffer and die for our sins. We, too, did not come to the earth to enjoy it, but rather so others may enjoy life with God.
Almighty Father, I have been blessed with material things, as well as the blessing of having the Gospel of salvation. Yet, I still feel little desire to provide those same blessings to others. We are stewards of what You have given us and we have a responsibility to share with others the same thing that You have shared with us.
Oh Lord, feed us with Your words and love. You will provide for us, forever. Our job is to have faith that You will; to trust in You; and to pray without ceasing so we may live in Your love.
“Another year, another Christmas
May the memories still linger in our mind
As constant reminders of how the Lord loves us
As yesterday, today and for years to come.”
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
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