December 29, 2017
As I sit here typing, I am reminded of all that this year has offered not only to me but also to my family and friends. Throughout my social media feeds, I see the "Best Of" posts; those posts full of pictures or phrases that have garnered the most "likes" throughout 2017. We also see it in media or on television with the year in review specials, a look back at all that was good and not-so-good this past year.
I enjoy looking back on the events and memories that helped shape our year socially. This time is also ideal for reflecting on our year in a much deeper way. I've had some highs this year but I've also had some low lows and yet, I made it through. I look back on the times I've asked God for his help and guidance and those times that I gave him thanks for his many blessings.
As I sit here reflecting on the year, I think about what I can do in the New Year to strengthen my spiritual life. Am I really doing enough? Do I always listen to what God is telling me? Am I open to what He wants to give me? Immediately, I think of our Mother Mary and how she said Yes to His call. Can I be more like that in the coming year?
Yes, this is the time of year to reflect on so many things that have happened and helped shape us. But most importantly, it's a time to look to the future and how God's light shines brightly as a beacon of hope even in moments of uncertainty.
I wish you and your families all of God's blessings in this coming year. May the peace of our Lord be with you all.
A New Year Prayer
Dear Lord,
We pray that this New Year will bring us closer to You.
May we take the time to get to know You.
Help us to truly celebrate the gifts You have graciously given us
and use them to serve You and spread Your word,
May we also see and love you in all the people we meet,
so that in turn, they can see You in us.
We know that all human relations take time
if they are to grow and deepen.
This is also true of our relations with You,
the Father and the Holy Spirit,
which must grow over the course of our lives.
In this new year,
let us realise that every action of ours
no matter how great or small
enables us to be in touch with You.
Let us accept You in our lives,
in the way it pleases You,
as Truth, to be spoken,
as Life, to be lived,
as Light, to be lighted,
as Love, to be followed,
as Joy, to be given,
as Peace, to be spread about,
as Sacrifice, to be offered among our relatives,
friends, neighbours and all people.
Amen.
Prayer Copyright © Catholic Doors Ministry