How will you prepare your heart and home for God in 2026?

 



7th day within the octave of Christmas 


1 John 2:18-21

Psalm 95(96):1-2,11-13

John 1:1-18





Children, it is the final hour. -1 John 2:18


These opening words of our Scripture today set the tone for an exciting reflection. The Church, in her wisdom, offers us a powerful reminder. Here we are, on the brink of 2025, the final moments of 2026. Tomorrow marks New Year’s Day—are we not called to make bold resolutions, to resolve ourselves for the year ahead?


For me, I find myself eager to reflect on these past 365 days—the triumphs, the trials, the moments I treasure and the ones I’d rather forget. The more I ponder, the more I see how wild these months have been—terrorism, anger, hate, disasters, and even the chaos of the “Holiday Season” (some now call it Detty December), packed with Black Friday fights, Christmas disappointments, and the stress of family gatherings. 


It’s astonishing and sad how much our society has become clogged with selfishness, consumerism, insensitivity, misunderstanding, rejection, and hate—the list goes on. And honestly, we’ve all fallen into these traps now and then. I try to stay true to my calling, but, friends, I admit I often forget who I’m meant to be and struggle to live up to God’s plan for me. Our hearts are cluttered and overflowing, leaving no space for anything else.



But here’s the exciting part—again, the Church reminds us that Jesus desires to dwell within us. As today’s Gospel proclaims, “And the Word became flesh, and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). That’s a life-changing truth! I ask myself—do I have room for Jesus? Is there space in the inn of my heart? To truly welcome Him, I realize I need a good cleaning—perhaps making resolutions is just what I need to get started.




So, here are my resolutions for an exciting new year:

    * Spiritually Lose Weight: I will shed the hurt and hate, and embrace the joy of living lightly.

    * Spiritual Sanitation : I will sweep away the junk from my mind and soul, making room for love and peace.

    * Spiritual Digest: I’ll nourish my spirit with life-giving words.

     *Be Holy: I will put holiness as top priority in my life and in relations with others.

    * Be Catholic: I’ll treat everyone I meet as if they were Jesus—with love and mercy.

    * Be Apostolic: I’ll be a living letter of the gospel and carry the gospel’s message to the ends of the earth. 



Dear God of new beginnings, thank you for the gift of fresh starts. Grant us the grace to sweep away all that keeps us from recognizing and welcoming You. Help us to keep our resolutions and grow closer to You each day. Amen.



Thank you all for your prayers, messages, calls, and heartfelt support. I am truly grateful. May the coming year bring blessings to you all. 


Happy New Year in Advance!



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