Reflection for Monday, January 1, 2001: The Octave Day of Christmas, Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.
No Thumbnail Available
Authors
Wirth, Eileen
Issue Date
2001-01-01
Volume
Issue
Type
Essay
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Tradition calls for us to start the New Year by making resolutions - usually things that we break or forget before the last down of the last college bowl game. Most of us won't lose 15 pounds, run a 10K or cease making snide remarks about annoying Uncle Harry.||But there's something about the New Year that encourages us to consider changes in life. This is a theme running through today's joyful readings.|They call us to celebrate a new life in God. The beautiful reading from Luke tells of the wonder with which the shepherds greeted the Child. St. Paul reminds us of the reason for this birth and its effect on us - that God sent Jesus to transform us from slaves into Sons (in a more politically correct era, I KNOW he would have said "children") and thus heirs.|In other words, this is a time for rejoicing and new beginnings.|I've often been struck by the negative tone of most New Year's resolutions. I think we should be concentrating on ways to celebrate the great gift we received at Christmas rather focusing on some relatively minor defect that we probably won't correct anyhow.|Here are a few possible New Year's resolutions to consider:|* Worry less so we may enjoy the peace God has promised.|* Laugh more and complain less.|* Remember that often the greatest joy in life comes from serving others.|* Share more "good news" with others and act as if we really are the "heirs" to good news.|We may never lose that 15 pounds or run a 10 K. But with a more joyful attitude towards life, we may just find Uncle Harry more amusing than annoying!|Happy New Year.
Description
Citation
Publisher
University Ministry, Creighton University.
License
These reflections may not be sold or used commercially without permission. Personal or parish use is permitted.
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
DOI
Identifier
Lectionary number: 18