At midnight this Sunday, the year 2017 will pass into the annals of history. One second later, the New Year 2018 will come into being!
Apart from the foolishness of many New Year's Eve celebrations, I must confess I always look forward to New Year's Day.
I look upon the occasion as another turning point in my life, an opportunity to start over again, to adjust the course of my life as it were and begin anew.
Of course, marking a completely man-made and artificial moment in the vastness of time is in and of itself rather insignificant as it applies to the free choices I make for good of ill. But the noting of the event that, by common assent, humanity will globally reset its calendar allows me the illusion of being able to put away the past mistakes and failures and begin a new moment in my life, fee of the old failings and fresh on a journey of further discoveries about myself and the others with whom I share my life.
I customarily make just one resolution each New Year's Day. This year, it will be to keep in closer touch with family members and friends, especially those wonderful folks I left when I moved from St. Louis to the Phoenix area.
Last year, I resolved to lose some weight and end the year around 14 pounds lighter than I was last New Year's Eve. To that extent, I guess I did okay keeping my promise to myself.
So, allow me to express to you and your loved ones my prayers and best wishes for a truly Blessed and Happy 2018. May each day begin with a recognition that you are loved by the Lord and that He is ever present in your life, in the small events and major changes that all of us are called to confront.
May you be surrounded by folks who love you and support you with their affection and care.
May you have faith enough in God's Providence to share your blessings, your time, your love, knowing that the Lord returns a hundredfold the good that we do.
May the Lord bless our country and our world with peace, may war be avoided and international disputes be resolved without bloodshed. May our country know unity and civility again.
And may humanity acknowledge and give due honor and glory to our Eternal Father, Our Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit who nourishes us in body and in mind.
Happy New Year, everyone. God bless you this New Year and always.
Father Joe
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