Happy New Year! (Round 1)

In a matter of hours, here on the East Coast of the United States, we'll be entering into a new year.

At least, that's what us Catholics will be celebrating.

Advent is quickly dawning upon us. A new year in which we have the opportunity to recommit ourselves to our relationship to Christ as we make our New Year's Resolutions of Faith.

What are you going to resolve to do this year to become closer to Christ and His Church? Coming off the Year of Faith, what practices will you hold on to that drew you closer to Christ this past year?

It could be something as easy as taking those extra five minutes in the day for prayer. It may be saying a Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet every day. It may be sitting with the daily readings for some period of reflection. Or it may be subscribing to a faith-based e-mail service, like "Saint of the Day" or "Scripture of the Day" or "Saint [X]'s Quote of the Day".

When proposing to ourselves our New Year's resolutions - be they for the new liturgical year or the new calendar year - we must remember not to get carried away. We know what needs fixing in our lives, and we try to do everything at once, and within the first few weeks - or even days! - we become overwhelmed and frustrated, and we give up. Change is always a gradual process. Yes, some change is immediate; however, the change that we can control can always be done gradually, over time, so that we do not become frustrated and overwhelmed. 

And so, in choosing resolutions for the new liturgical year, choose something that is doable, and will not be something that becomes a chore or obligation just after a weeks (or days). Choose something small, for the big things will work themselves out. The small sacrifice we do for the benefit of our relationship with Jesus will aid us in the greater challenges in life, for we will see the strength and support that God gives to us in the moments that we really need it.

And so, Church of God, HAPPY NEW YEAR! I pray that it will be a year of new discoveries of the depths of God's love and life for each of you. May you make wise resolutions to further your relationship with Christ and His Church, and may those resolutions not be overwhelming at any point, but lead you closer to the Heart and Mind of God.





Enjoy the journey . . .