…the Lord, who is our help and our shield… Psalm 33:20

Oh, Lord, with you as my help and my shield, I need not be afraid.

…the Almighty has done great things for me… Luke 1:49

Lift up your heads and see. Luke 21:28 (responsorial)

Take the time to identify people you know who might be in need. It could be someone who is in need financially, socially or spiritually. How can you reach out to them?

In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:78-79

Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. Isaiah 9:1

As they were stoning Stephen, he called out “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Acts 7:59

Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another… Colossians 3:12-13

God is light, and in him there is no darkness… 1 John 1:5

Gracious God, help us remember that Christ is our light. May his light “shine in our hearts, shine in the darkness,” as we go about our days.

Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled. Luke 2:29

Loving God, thank you for another year of life and your faithful, loving presence.

And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:38

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Luke 2:19

Wise and gracious God, teach me, like Mary, to remember and ponder the things of my daily life. I entrust this new year (as I do every year) to your saving power and love.

Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father, but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well. 1 John 2:23

They were overjoyed at seeing the star… Matthew 2:10

You belong to God, children… 1 John 4:4

…for God is love. 1 John 4:8

But at once he spoke with them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” Mark 6:50

Brother Jesus, reveal your presence to me.

If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 1 John 4:20

“Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Then Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.” Luke 5:12-13

Beginnings and Endings John 3:27

Not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. Isaiah 42:2

As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Mark 1:16-17

The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. Mark 1:22

When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. Mark 1:32

God, in your mercy, increase my faith.

The Holy Spirit says: Oh, that today you would hear his voice, “Harden not your hearts…” Hebrews 3:7

Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them… Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. Mark 2:2, 4

I did not come to call the righteous but sinners. Mark 2:17

Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi…, where are you staying?” John 1:38

“Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?” Mark 2:18-19