Daily Meditation for December 31, 2024

It’s that most wonderful time of the year … depending how you feel about the change of seasons and ever-falling temperatures. We put on hats and mittens and boots. We put on base layers and heavier coats, snowpants and insulated coveralls. We Minnesotans know how to cover our winter bases and cover our bodies—head to toe and everywhere in between. We are also known for our generosity. We take seriously St. Paul’s call to “put on heartfelt compassion and kindness”—and “and over all, to put on love” (see Col 3:12, 14). Heartfelt compassion, kindness and love urge us to give to our neighbors most in need—those for whom winters are anything but wonderful. We give because we recognize that in the most vulnerable, there is the body of Christ. There dwells the Christ Child who longs to be fed and clothed and sheltered. We give because we know Christ’s love is always in season. Oh, the wonders of his love.

By Mary Stommes, OblSB