New Year’s Resolutions

When you see the title of this blog, you might think that I’ve gotten even wackier! It’s only November, so why talk about New Year’s Resolutions?

Here’s why. We are ending a year right now…it’s the Church Year. It ends with the Feast of Christ the King. This past year we heard Luke’s Gospel proclaimed nearly every weekend, including today with the powerful story of the repentant thief.  But next weekend a New Year begins with the First Sunday of Advent and its focus will be on Matthew’s Gospel.

 

So take some time today to remember some highlights of Luke’s Gospel. Maybe you could even read his whole Gospel in one sitting and notice Luke’s special themes.

       

Questions: Is there a story in Luke’s Gospel that especially touched you this past year? Was there a church celebration that was particularly memorable?  Did you grow closer to God last year?  What specifically nourished your spiritual life during the year?   

   

And then, make some New Church Year Resolutions.  What could you do next year to help you grow spiritually?  What new spiritual practice could you start this next year? Maybe you could read the Sunday Gospel before you come to weekend mass.