New Years Eve 2014

In Rome today, as Vatican Radio reported, Pope Francis also celebrated First Vespers for the Octave of Christmas and the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God (which comes tomorrow, January 1).

In his homily during the liturgy, Pope Francis spoke about the meaning of time.

Time is not something alien from God, Who has chosen to reveal Himself and to save us in history, in time, he said.

“The meaning of time, of temporality,” he said, “is the manifestation of the mystery God and of His concrete love for us.”

Pope Francis recalled that we are now in “the definitive time of salvation and of grace,” and that this leads us to think about the end of our own journey.

We are all born, and we will all someday die.

With this truth, the Church teaches us to end the year, and in fact each day, with an examination of conscience.

This devout practice leads us to thank God for the blessings and graces we have received, and to ask forgiveness for our weaknesses and sins.

Pope Francis concluded his homily by reminding everyone that this is the “final hour” and that we are living in “the fullness of time.”