December 31, 2024
Click the white arrowhead to the left above for some relaxing music while you read.
You may repeat click if you wish.
We stand now on the far western shore of the Year of Our Lord, 2024. It is well near evening. Our memories are silhouetted against the deep magenta sky as they sail beyond the shimmering horizon. We have lived, laughed, lost and loved in ways never to be repeated, yet never to be forgotten. The great turning of time goes relentlessly on, but we have written our story in its indelible trail.
The stroke of midnight on December 31st – magic, mysterious, holy. 
With fireworks and reveling, popular culture will invite us to the brash celebration of our presence within this point in history. But, at the altar of our hearts, we recognize this long evening of reminiscence as a time of quiet thanksgiving and petition. It is a time of awe and trust in the power of our Almighty God.
Like flint struck against the steadfast soul of God, we have been given the spark of life. We are God’s fire at this moment in time’s long unwinding. Tonight, we turn our spirits to those beside us, behind us, before us, and we pray in thanksgiving and hope for them.
Together, we sink into the dark infinity of our Creator who sustains all life beyond our worries, fears and limitations. With innumerable universes, God balances us in the palm of Mercy. As the midnight shadows fall, God closes Divine fingertips over us in grace and protection.
In the split moment between two years, we too become infinite – fire in God’s darkness, spark redeemed beyond time. In 2025, we will forget this transcendent moment. The bright light of daily living will blind us to that piece of divinity shining in our souls. But tonight, let us remember. As midnight passes by, may our spirits kneel within us to the Awesome Mystery who holds us, as one, eternally within Itself.
Music: Auld Lang Syne
For Your Reflection
- What feelings or reactions do I have after reading this reflection?
- Do my feelings or reactions remind me of any passage or event in scripture, especially in the life of Christ?
- What actions might I take today because of my response to these readings
Lavish Mercy 
This is so touching, especially with your background music playing. So beautiful, Sister. What a lovely soul you must have. Thank you for making us so blessed this year about to end with your prayers and wisdom. May God bless you and keep you always, Sister Renee!
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Renee, thanks so much for enriching my prayer throughout the past year…years. “May God bless you in mercy.” Happy New Year! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
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“God closes Divine fingertips over us in grace and protection”. Deeply moving. This whole Reflection is profound. I am so grateful for “you”being “you” S. Renee. Thank you for sharing the intimacy of God’s Presence through your Reflections. Happy New Year! Blessings, Peace, Hope and Love,
Kris
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Dear Sister Renee,
Thank you for taking me to the far western shore! Your reflection is as powerful as it is beautiful. Wishing you a peaceful, healthy and joyful 2025 ..oh yes
and some fun adventures! Thank you for sharing your gift of words, they touch my soul!
Joanne Dugan
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❤️🙏
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Thank you, Renee. Beautiful – and perfect!
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