With a lot of ever cherishable memories the year 2016 is saying goodbye to us. The lord has graciously gifted us a New Year to love him and to be with him more closely. Let us welcome this New Year with a lot of hope and love.

2016 was indeed a year of God’s abundant blessings. Holy Father, Pope Francis by declaring the Year of Mercy enabled us to receive God’s unfathomable grace and mercy. Through this holy year we were privileged to receive both physical and spiritual gifts.

It is true that in 2016 we also faced a lot of bitter experiences. But we must realize that all those experiences were indeed a sign for us. Labor pain is a sign for a woman. When Adam and Eve committed sin looking at them God said: “I will greatly increase your pangs in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children” (Gen 3: 16). So the pain in childbirth is a sign; a sign which indicates our sinful and fragile human nature. It is a reminder; a reminder to keep ourselves away from sin and to teach our children to lead a holy life.

God is speaking to us in every moment of our life. When we give our ears to this divine voice, this New Year will become graceful. God reminds us: “Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me” (Rev 3: 20). In this New Year let us give our ears to the Lord, who knocks at the door of our heart and thus let us lead a holy life in accordance with the will of God.

Rev. Fr Joseph Mundolickal CST