Sunday 2 January 2022

Today is Sunday the 2 January, in the Season of Christmas.

The monks of Glenstal Abbey sing Cantate Domino, a psalm of praise: ‘Sing to the Lord, alleluia.
Sing to the Lord, bless his name, tell of his salvation from day to day, alleluia.
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.’

Today’s reading is from the Book of Ecclesiasticus.


Ecclus 24:1-2, 8-12
Wisdom praises herself,
and tells of her glory in the midst of her people.
In the assembly of the Most High she opens her mouth,
and in the presence of his hosts she tells of her glory:
‘Then the Creator of all things gave me a command,
and my Creator chose the place for my tent.

He said, “Make your dwelling in Jacob,
and in Israel receive your inheritance.”
Before the ages, in the beginning, he created me,
and for all the ages I shall not cease to be.
In the holy tent I ministered before him,
and so I was established in Zion.
Thus in the beloved city he gave me a resting-place,
and in Jerusalem was my domain.
I took root in an honoured people,
in the portion of the Lord, his heritage.

How do you begin the New Year? With intentions, hopes, commitments to a ‘better’ you? Spend a moment reflecting on how you feel as you begin this year.

There is invitation in this passage. Wisdom is more than thought, Wisdom is right judgement, good choices.
When one is wise, one acts toward to fullness of life, toward goodness and flourishing. Is there something here that you recognise, something that calls to you?

As you listen to the passage again, be aware of any words or images that inspire you.

As you spend time in prayer on this Sabbath day, at the beginning of this new year, share your hopes and dreams with the Lord. Feel his blessing upon you.


Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.