Memorial of St. John Bosco
Chinese New Year’s Eve

Reflection

“Everything and everyone is won by the sweetness of our words and works.” –St. John Bosco

Prayer

Loving God,

It’s sad but still true: we learn from experience to wear invisible armor, to buffer the words of so many that we encounter. So many words used as weapons around us. Or even just careless words, spewed without sense, which still cause such damage and sting us in spirit. Help us be different, abounding in sweetness. As we share in the Chinese New Year this coming week, let our gifts and our mooncakes remind us to be agents of sweetness in a world that can often be bitter. In our words and our works, may we follow the footsteps of holy exemplars like John Bosco, who engaged in life-giving ministry with and for those who were poor and vulnerable, and never relinquished a sweetness of spirit. Amen.

Call to Action

Happy New Year! Share a mooncake with colleagues, and when I sweeten my coffee or tea, remember that my words and actions can sweeten any bitterness around me.