Daily Meditation for January 5, 2026

This past Sunday, we heard how the Magi sought and recognized God’s presence amongst them. And during the Christmas season, we celebrated the coming of Emmanuel, who became human and remains present among us now. What difference does God’s presence make?

Here’s one difference for me: I recently started imagining God saying to me, “How ya doin’?” Not the “Hi, how are you?” that people say in passing without really being interested in knowing, but a slow, attentive, caring “How are you doing?” When I imagine God asking me that question with that loving tone, I start paying deeper attention to how I am doing. I notice how I’ve become preoccupied with uncertainties or worries or how I’ve drifted away from the focused attention I had during Christmas. The excitement, awe and sparkle are fading, and the everydayness of living is creeping back in. So when I imagine God asking me, “How ya doin’?” I find myself responding, “Oh, hello! You’re still here!” I feel gratitude as I experience God’s care and genuine interest. I chuckle and say to myself, “Well look at that, Liz — Emmanuel, God-with-us, lasts more than one day!” I shake my preoccupations loose and give thanks to the God who is always with us. I look around me with fresh eyes and renewed hope.

As we shift from the Christmas season into the Baptism of the Lord and Ordinary Time, how are you doing? How can God’s presence touch you where you need it most today?

By Liz Keenan, OblSB