Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection December 31, 2024
The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas
31st December 2024 (Tuesday)
Psalter: Proper
Readings of the Day
First Reading: 1 John 2:18-21
Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that the antichrist was coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. Thus we know this is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not really of our number; if they had been, they would have remained with us. Their desertion shows that none of them was of our number. But you have the anointing that comes from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. I write to you not because you do not know the truth but because you do, and because every lie is alien to the truth.
Psalm 96:1-2, 11-12, 13 (R. 11a)
R/. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Gospel Acclamation
V/. Alleluia
R/. Alleluia
V/. The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. To those who accepted him he gave power to become the children of God.
R/. Alleluia.
Gospel: John 1:1-18
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.
Daily Gospel Reflection
Tuesday – The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas
Guidelines: As we stand at the close of this year and step into a new one, this moment calls not for remorse or regret, nor for fear or doubt. Instead, it invites hope and renewal.
1. As we stand at the close of 2024 and look ahead to 2025, we see a striking contrast—the “end” and the “beginning.” Today’s scripture readings reflect this beautifully. The first reading speaks of the “last hour,” while the Gospel points to the “beginning.”
2, This contrast offers a meaningful message as we prepare for the new year. The first reading reminds us that “many antichrists have come,” even in our time. Some who were once close have drifted away. This isn’t just about relationships with people—it’s about staying true to our bond with God and remaining faithful to values rooted in goodness and humanity.
3. The “last hour” symbolizes an ongoing challenge—a battle between what is holy and unholy, spiritual and unspiritual, old and new. So, let us close this year with an honest review. Have we stood with Christ? Or have we, knowingly or unknowingly, drifted toward the ways of the antichrists?
4. With this reflection, let us embrace the opportunity to start fresh. A new year means a new beginning with Christ, whose light brightens every step we take and every path we follow.
5. Let this thought guide us: Are we for Christ or against Him? Are we walking in His light or wandering in darkness? Have we drawn close to Him, or are we distant? Do we live with Christ alive in us, or are we spiritually far from Him?
Practice: He was in the world, yet the world did not recognize Him. He came to His own, and they did not welcome Him.” He is within us and among us now. But do we truly know Him and accept Him?
