| When we wish a Happy New Year to those around us, doubtless we intend to wish that person free from illness, pain, trouble or worry and that each person flourishes, makes more money and that the news is good every morning. But, we must remember that a good year for a Christian is one in which both joys and sorrows help that person to love God a little more each day as time goes by. A good year is one in which we have served God and our neighbor better, even if, in human terms, our life has been a complete disaster. A good year could be one in which we are attacked by a serious illness that has been unsuspected for many years, provided that we use that illness for our sanctification and for the sanctification of those closest to us. Any year becomes our Best Year if we make use of the graces that God keeps in store for us and which can turn to good the greatest of misfortunes. For the year just beginning, let us ask God to prepare us for all the help that we need to make it a good year and let us not waste even a single day. If we commit a sin or become discouraged, let us immediately begin again, using the sacrament of Penance. May we all have a good year, so that when it is over, we can come before God with our hands full of our sacrifices, hours of work offered up for him, apostolate with our friends and neighbors, the small acts of charity with those around us, and the many little victories over ourselves for God and others. Let us resolve to convert our temporary defeats into overwhelming victories by turning to God each time and starting our work over once again. We must never forget to ask Our Lady for the fighting spirit to continue forward, even when our hopes are flagging, for we always want to give Our Lord each year as if it is the last one that he is going to give us!
Best Wishes for a Wonderful New Year, Steven Balcerzak |
