Resolutions often come with the New Year. I usually go with the classics — lose weight, drink less, go fishing more. Jan. 1 is a good day to start a new discipline or to recharge an old practice. We have a whole year to get it right.
Just as Jan. 1 starts the new calendar year, the First Sunday of Advent starts the liturgical year — yet we don’t really hear of “new liturgical year’s resolutions.” Perhaps we should: Advent is a season of renewal.
As we prepare for the liturgical celebration of Christ’s first coming, we also prepare for His second coming. We can do this by making a few faithful resolutions.
First, resolve to strive to be the best baptized Catholics we can be. Through this baptism, we become lights of Christ. Seeking to demonstrate His mercy prepares us to receive Him.
Second, resolve to pray habitually. Prayer is a gift from God, our covenant relationship with Him and an expression of communion with His Church. It’s pretty important — yet easy to forget or procrastinate. A habit of prayer can start with a simple morning offering and evening prayer of thanks. It doesn’t have to be complicated.
Lastly, resolve to share the joy of our faith. It’s easy to get sucked into the vortex of criticism and condemnation of those whom we think aren’t doing Catholicism right. But focusing on the joy and freedom that comes from God’s grace prepares our hearts for Christmas and His second coming.
Blessed Advent, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.