Tuesday, December 30, 2008

New Year Reflection


St. Meinrad Archabbey
Originally uploaded by cindy47452
Notice I didn't title this "New Year Resolutions." I make them and break them just as readily. For several years now I have not even attempted any. When the kids were still small and living at home I would set a goal. That, I think, is different than a "resolution."

At any rate here is my reflection by Archabbot Lambert Reilly , O.S.B. from his book Latin Sayings for Spiritual Growth.


Maria montisque polliceri
("The promise of the seas and the mountains")

There is a German saying, "Big in the head and little in the follow-up." Some promises, made in moments of excitement or offered as an extension of our pride, are impossible to keep. Such promises as these are simply beyond the power of the speaker. Do we recall Peter's promises of faithfulness to Christ and his failure to keep them?

God's promises seem the most extreme of all: A child will be born of a virgin. our sins, no matter how great,are forgiven. Spend your days on earth loving God first, and death will not really be the end.

Wild fantasies? Impossible visions? Not with Good, the One who can do a thing, the One who can do all things.

With that same God, we can do some impossible things, too. We can be at peace with life as it is, rather than striving for more. We can forgive. We can even love our enemies.

It's all because of faith. I faith, we take on the mind of God, open our hearts to His strength, and live within the peace of His promises.

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This New Year brings we again to, NOT a new beginning, but an extension of the years gone by. It does offer us possibilities to live as God's chosen. As Fr. C wrote in his blog about the Inner Light, we can be mirrors of Christ to those we encounter along our way. I hope to recognize Christ as my companion this year. My hope is that all will recognize Christ as their companion this year.


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Thanks be to God



10 comments:

  1. Thanks, Cathy. Sorry I didn't make it here sooner to wish you merry christmas, but really, the Christmas season isn't over yet...so best wishes to you and your family, and happy new year, too!

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  2. Oh, wow, Cathy. What an excellent reflection to start the new year with. This should be the foundation of our goals!

    A very blessed new year to you and yours!

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  3. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2009!

    I invite you to listen a special Christmas episode of my podcast “Levántate y Sal a Caminar…”

    28 minutes of Christmas carols in many languages, meditations and more…

    “Let's resolve this year to create a peaceful presence wherever we go…”

    Jesus loves you.

    Luisa Veyan S.
    You can listen it in: http://levantateysalacaminar.podomatic.com/

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  4. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  5. That was totally awesome, Cathy! I'm so glad you commented on my blog so I could find yours! Peace be with you and may the Lord bless you with his Graces in 2009!

    Abbey

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  6. Great post!! I don't make the resolution anymore.. I too break them and then I am so disgusted with myself.. but I do have goals I want to achieve in 09 and if I stumble.. I'll get back up and keep trying:)

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  7. Last night I asked my husband to do a reflection on 2008, and chart our SMART objectives/goals for 2009. Unfortunately he had a headache, but we still intend to them today. To me, each day is a gift, a new beginning. January 1 simply helps us plan a little bit of where we want to travel and things we want to accomplish. One thing that doesn't change, my personal relationship with God. Thanks for sharing this!

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  8. I really loved this post. I find this quote to be spot on,
    "Some promises, made in moments of excitement or offered as an extension of our pride, are impossible to keep."

    I think this "extension of pride" is the crux of many misunderstandings in relationships (personal, professional and other). I just have never found such helpful wording in trying to describe my opinion.

    I agree with your perspective on the new year. . . an extension of the years gone by :-)
    Personally, I like to save my celebration of "new" and "rebirth" for Easter!

    "Big in the head and little in the follow-up." Yep!

    Peggy

    ps) Can I quote you in my blog?

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  9. All so true, Cathy. And thanks for the surprises in sight and sound!

    Hope the New Year brings many blessings your way.

    I saw this in a Jan. calendar:
    the best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time.

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Your insightful comments are appreciated and I want all to feel comfortable and welcome.