Contemplatively Resolving

The New Year is quickly approaching and with it an opportunity for new beginnings. This is a time of year to direct our thoughts to fresh starts and new opportunities. The New Year brings with it renewed spiritual life for those who are about to dedicate their lives to something greater than themselves and receive Jesus Christ as Savior – those being baptized into the Church in the New Year and those who will be receiving the sacrament of Confirmation will have new beginnings and blessings.  The New Year is a chance to rededicate ourselves to the Lord the giver of Life and to the Church.

We rededicate our hearts, our habits, our purpose and our lives to His will and to the love and service of His people. Let us resolve today to begin the New Year in a contemplative prayer thinking about that which is good, lovely and holy. Let us review our hopes, dreams and talents, how we have used them and how they can be further used to benefit not merely ourselves but to care for our families, friends, neighbors and to further the kingdom of God.

In the still of our quiet time, in our contemplative prayer time may our minds settle on a centering word of God: peace, healing, faith, blessings, prosperity, hope, joy, charity, forgiveness. Choose one that is specific to you and to your personal walk with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ. This is what a relationship is about, communicating and sharing with each other that which is personal, remembering that our Christianity is about our relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit. Do we need more faith in our day, need to make a commitment to remain in His word each day, perhaps charity or forgiveness are on the list of Christian resolves this year.

Ask God for help in calling to mind any areas of growth that would like to be obtained and that you and I would like to use to bring us closer to Him. Consider any less than godly habits, attributes, thoughts or deeds and bring them to the confessional. How blessed it is to begin the New Year with a clean heart and express our desire to turn from things that draw us away from God and offer our sacrifice of prayer.  The goal of any resolutions I make this year will be to ultimately bring about an outward expression and lifestyle of the inner joy of the Lord and to share His Good News for the New Year and for eternity. 

Each year I review my Church habits, service and attendance. Is there room for growth and improvement? Can I make some small change that will bring about a deeper more meaningful spiritual life? As we contemplatively consider our New Year resolutions may we make room for the life of Christ to be glorified in all of our plans and goals.