The great question [is] . . . What did Jesus actually bring, if not world peace, universal prosperity, and a better world? What has he brought? The answer is very simple: God. . . . He has brought God, and now we know his face, now we can call upon him. Now we know the path that we human beings have to take in this world. Jesus has brought God and with God the truth about our origin and destiny: faith, hope and love. It is only because of our hardness of heart that we think this is too little. Yes indeed, God’s power works quietly in this world, but it is the true and the lasting power. Again and again, God’s cause seems to be in its death throes. Yet over and over again it proves to be the thing that truly endures and saves.
—Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger), Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration
All of us at Word on Fire wish you and yours a joyous, hopeful, and healthy new year—one that is full of the blessings and graces that grow from within the life of faith.
We are grateful to God for every one of our readers, our Word on Fire Institute members, and all who view our video offerings. To be able to speak of Christ Jesus and the gift of his Church is a privilege we undertake each day with great gladness, and as the new year dawns we present an ancient and beautiful prayer of blessing, as shared in today’s first reading at Mass.
The Lord bless you and keep you!
The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace! (Num. 6:24-26)