Holy Mother Church teaches us to end the year and also our days with an examination of conscience...to be grateful and to ask for forgiveness.

At times we can be self-absorbed. Lord, help us to open our hearts to others and to serve those who are most vulnerable.

We can study the whole history of salvation, we can study the whole of Theology, but without the Spirit we cannot understand. It is the Spirit that makes us realize the truth or - in the words of Our Lord - it is the Spirit that makes us know the voice of Jesus.

How marvellous it would be if, at the end of the day, each of us could say: today I have performed an act of charity towards others!

We forget to remain focused on the things that really matter.

That which gives us true freedom and true happiness is the compassionate love of Christ.

Like Mary, may we nurture the light born within us at Christmas. May we carry it everywhere in our daily lives.