Resolutions Rooted in the Lord
Many of us, I am sure, began our New Year by making resolutions. Often, they are familiar ones: exercise more frequently, lose weight, stay in contact with family and friends and slow down just a bit. All of these are good intentions. However, we may discover that before long we leave behind the resolutions and fall back into our former way of behaving and living. Why is that?
Often, we forget that any change in the way we live is a day-to-day conversion. Every day, it is essential that we examine our progress. If we discover that we have moved away from our resolution, then we “pick ourselves up” and begin anew immediately. This avoids the frustration and disappointment that can easily consume us when we approach our goals as long-term plans rather than on a daily basis.
Yet the key reason we often fail in keeping our resolutions is because we rely on our own strength. We can be deceived into thinking that it is sufficient to rely on “my” determination, will and efforts. That is never the case! We are completely dependent on the Lord and His divine assistance. Thus, at the beginning and conclusion of each day, we must seek the amazing grace that the Lord offers to us in prayer. We must find our strength in the Sacraments, most especially the Holy Eucharist. We must seek the intercession and protection of Our Blessed Mother. If we remain faithful to these resolutions, then all things are possible!
The Church in the United States is very busy in the month of January! We celebrate Respect Life Month, Migration Week, Christian Unity Week, Vocation Awareness Week and Catholic Schools Week. These special occasions and their themes may help to add to our list of resolutions for the New Year.
Perhaps we can renew our commitments to: 1. Live daily with the conviction that we are temples of the Holy Spirit, and reflect that in the way we respect and treat our own bodies; 2. Pray and work tirelessly for the unborn and the most vulnerable in our midst, seeking ways in our parishes and personal lives to protect and defend them; 3. Be respectful of all persons, especially those who may feel alienated and alone. Participate in the process that will encourage our legislators to work on behalf of just and comprehensive immigration reform; 4. Strive to live in unity with all persons so that we, as Jesus prayed, may all be one. Seek ways to join efforts with our brothers and sisters in Christ in promoting peace and justice within our communities; 5. Pray daily and by name for our seminarians. Ask the Lord to grant our Diocese more priests and an increase of vocations to religious life; 6. Seek ways to support our Catholic schools and faith formation programs and consider offering your services in transmitting the faith to our young people.
All of these goals are worthy of our consideration and will help to build and strengthen the Body of Christ. Yet all of them are also in vain unless our main resolutions for the New Year are to pray ever more fervently with complete dependency on the Lord, to find our strength in the Eucharist and to seek Mary’s intercession and protection. Then, and only then, are all things possible!
It is my hope and prayer that Our Lord Jesus will bless you and all those you love and serve with abundant peace and joy throughout this New Year and always.