Prayer
God of all people,
when Mary answered your call,
she brought your Son into this world.
When going through the troubles of suffering and sorrow,
help us stay close to you
so that we may have the trusting faith of Mary.
May all that we experience in our lives
help us to bring Jesus to the poor and lonely people of our world.
May we, like Mary, always listen to you,
and live our lives filled with the knowledge of your love for us.
Throughout the coming year
may this inspire us in all that we say and do.
Reflection
If you have seen any of the following films,
you might be able to work out one of their common themes.
The Wizard of Oz, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,
The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings,
Shrek, Aladdin, Frozen,
and on television over Christmas this year,
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse.
They are all about going on a journey.
A writer once said:
Our life is a journey.
We are always 'on the road'.
Each time January greets us,
we have an opportunity to pause,
to see where we have been,
to notice how far we have come,
and to ponder how that journey has been for us.
Each year is also a time to rethink our vision,
to take stock of our resources,
and to refresh our dreams
as we set out once more
on the journey that is ours.
The beginning of the New Year
is a good time to reflect on one's life.
As we look back over the journey,
it is helpful to identify
the places that blessed us, affirmed us,
enlivened us, and enriched us.
We also need to reflect on the situations
that challenged us and tested us.
When we have looked over our past travels,
it is a good time to take stock of our present situation.
What are our inner resources?
Do we need to refuel, to restore our energies?
Have our spiritual suitcases worn thin
with all the clutter we've stuffed into them along the way?
What kind of nourishment will we provide as we travel?
Are we prepared to continue on the road?
Should you be searching for something
to spur you on your journey,
and to help you continue on the road in the New Year,
I recommend what was said by John XXIII:
Do not walk through time
without leaving worthy evidence of your passage.
G.K.Chesterton once said:
The object of a new year
is not that we should have a new year.
It is that we should have a new soul.
So we pray:
God of this New Year,
we are journeying into the unknown.
We face the future,
not knowing what the days and months will bring us,
or how we will respond.
Deepen our faith to see all of life through your eyes.
Fill us with hope.
May we know you are always with us
both in our joys and in our sorrows.
Help us to start and end each day
without worrying too much.
May we never forget how much you care for us,
and as Saint Peter said of Jesus,
may we go about doing good.
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