The beginning of the new calendar year is sometimes like
the beginning of Lent: we make resolutions which we often
end up breaking.
The problem with keeping our
resolutions, be they for the New Year or for Lent, is two-
fold: first we lack discipline, and second, all too often we
make unrealistic resolutions, which we cannot possibly
carry through. As we approach the year of our Lord
2008, we should resolve to make resolutions we can and
will keep.
Before making any new resolution, we should come
before the Lord in prayer. We should open ourselves up to
Him in the Eucharist and in His Holy Presence; make a
minute examination, not just of conscience but also of our
entire lives. We should recognize that for us to follow
through on any resolution we need the help of Christ Jesus.
Without Him we are nothing and can do nothing of positive
consequence. Offering ourselves to Christ in prayer, we
should ask for the inner discipline to truly carry out and
fulfill our resolutions. In order to be able to fulfill a
resolution, we need HIM.
A crucial part of the Act of Contrition are the words, “…
and I firmly resolve to avoid the near occasion of sin and to
sin no more.” That is a tall order, and how many times
have we failed in that resolution. Nevertheless it is not a
bad resolution for the beginning of a new year. And if ever
there was a resolution in which we need the help of God,
that is it. But, He will help us if we ask Him. And He does
help us by giving us both the sacraments and
sacramentals. So adjunct increased use of the Sacrament
of Penance (where we renew our initial resolution), as well
as frequent reception of Holy Communion. To these we
can add more Holy Hours. How I would love to see our
Wednesday evening Holy Hour filling the Church to the
point of standing room only.
If our new years resolutions are these and we follow
through on them, then when Lent comes around we will
have no problem in making and living out our Lenten
resolutions.
May Almighty God grant each and every one a very
Happy and Holy New Year.