December 31, 2012 
The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas
Saint of the day
Saint Sylvester I (d.335)
Saint Sylvester I was pope during the reign of Emperor Constantine I, after the persecutions and terror of Diocletian. He was pope during important events such as the proclamation of the Edict of Milan, the rise of the Catholic Church from the catacombs, the construction of the Basilicas of Saint John Lateran and Saint Peter, and the Council of Nicaea. However, these great events were largely made possible by Emperor Constantine I. Even though he was pope at the time of a very powerful and influential leader, Sylvester I was a strong and knowledgeable pope who maintained the independence of the Church. Saint Sylvester I died in 335 in Rome and was the first non-martyr to be honored as a saint.
Reflection
Even though Saint Sylvester I was pope during the time of the powerful and influential Emperor Constantine I, he was an intelligent leader who maintained the independence of the Church. Saint Sylvester I may not have faced as much opposition as previous popes, but he was very influential and dedicated to the Church. Ask the Lord to help you make your life a reflection God's love, even though you may not be the biggest celebrity in the room.
Prayer
May my life reflect my love for you, my God, and your love for me. (Taken from “Good News Day by Day: Bible Reflections for Teens.”)
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 204
Place in Year: Christmas
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: White
Daily readings
Reading 1: 1 John 2:18-21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96:1-2, 11-12, 13
Gospel: John 1:1-18
View complete readings on USCCB.orgMeditations
Meditation for Gospel
John starts his Gospel very intentionally. The words he uses, "In the beginning," mirror another very important part of scripture. Do you know where else these words are found? They are the very first words in the Book of Genesis - "In the beginning God created..." (Genesis 1:1). John wants his readers to see the connection between the beginning of creation, told in the Book of Genesis, and redemption, told in the Gospels. The same God who created humanity now fulfills His plan by saving humanity. Sometimes we have a habit of seeing two different Gods acting - the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament. John stresses the reality that the same God created, redeemed, and sustains us.
