MEDITATION : 

Love and hope always go hand in hand with faith. That is why, in his hymn to love, Saint Paul tells us (1 Corinthians 13:1-7):

"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres".

A living faith, an unlimited love and a firm hope are the incense, gold and myrtle that give us the courage to live and the courage not to fall apart. It is through love that we dream of high ideals. It is through hope that we reach them. Love and hope are the wings that lift us up to greatness, despite obstacles and inconveniences.

If we love God, we love ourselves and others. We can succeed in what Saint Peter advises in his first letter (3:15-16):

"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."

If we light the flame of hope and the fire of love, their radiant light will shine during the New Year after the Christmas lights are extinguished.