Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament

January 7, 2026

Mark Twain once wrote that the two most important dates in our lives are the day we were born and the day we discovered why. We are beginning a new year, which offers us an excellent opportunity to ask that WHY question. What gets us up in the morning? What are the issues that give us passion? Whom do we love so much that what they believe resonates at the deepest part of our being?

Today’s reading from John poses a challenge to the WHY question. “If God has loved us, we also ought to love one another.” A pretty straightforward challenge, but what does it mean in our daily lives?

The Gospels are clear. We are to love our neighbor, and in the parable of the Good Samaritan, we are commanded to love unconditionally those most in need of our love and care. Jesus tells us that whatever we do to the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the imprisoned, the widow, the refugee, and the stranger, we do to him.

Each time we gather to celebrate the Eucharist, we experience the death of the Lord until he comes again. We hear the words, This is my body broken for you. This is my blood poured out for you. DO This in memory of me.

John is unequivocal: God loves us first and urges, maybe more correctly, commands us to love one another. As we consider Mark Twain’s quote, may we reflect on the WHY in light of the teachings of Jesus and the command of the Eucharist to love unconditionally.

In our current reality, many are left “by the wayside” alone, wounded and suffering, waiting for someone to soothe their pains and offer hope. In fact, those gathered around the table would be the first to reach out.

Let Us Pray:

Lord God, Creator of all that is, and Ruler of time and space, you have gifted us with a new year, filled with challenges and possibilities. We pray that you will grant us an overabundance of your grace that we, in the corner of the world in which you have placed us, may be loving lights of hope to those lost in fear, isolation, and darkness. Your gift of the Eucharist impels us. Amen.