If we buy into the front pages of all the magazines we are reminded that New Year is a time for change, a time to start anew, the perfect moment to make resolutions to give up or cut down on any unhealthy lifestyles.
So what about 2006 and our New Year’s resolutions? There is no denying that it is important to take care of ourselves, to feed our body, mind and soul. As we move into 2006, what better resolution to make than to decide for radicality. ew Year is a time to dare to ask oneself: “What do I really want in life? What’s my purpose and where am I going?”
Catholics are people who have found the answer to each of those questions….and are people of life long growth and discovery.
Saint Paul was one of the first followers of Jesus Christ. He said of his material possessions and ambitions: ‘I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done… I have discarded everything else, counting it all as rubbish, so that I may have Christ and become one with him.’ (Philippians 3: 7-8). Why did he say this and how can I get to know the person he calls Christ?
You can firstly come to know Jesus Christ through his words. Why not check out his words as documented in the Bible? Please see: http://www.life4seekers.co.uk/channelling/bible.html
Catholics also nurture a personal relationship with Jesus through:
For Catholics the Eucharist is central to their lives. Sunday Mass attendance is the spring board of their week. During Mass they receive the real presence of Christ – his body and blood during Holy Communion. For more see: http://www.life4seekers.co.uk/channelling/eucharist.html If you’ve never been to a Catholic Mass, why not go along? You’d be made very welcome.
Grow in love by spending time alone with Jesus. Whatever our background Jesus Christ is ready and waiting for us. As we grow in intimacy with Jesus Christ, our lives begin to reflect His glory and others will come to us because they will want to know the secret of our happiness. It is in prayer that we hear his still voice calling us forward to walk with and towards Him. It is imperative that we always seek to deepen our prayer lives through joining other people in prayer and reading the lives of the saints who have gone before us. For more please see: http://www.life4seekers.co.uk/spirituality-prayer
What better way to start the New Year than to decide to turn over a new leaf and to make our peace with God and others. Catholics begin to do this by receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is recommended that they receive it monthly. See: http://www.life4seekers.co.uk/channelling/confession.html
God is waiting for us to come to him so that he can lovingly embrace us. Don’t hold back. Why not contact your local Catholic priest to talk about your own spiritual journey and how to meet God in your life? And / or simply say a prayer to God in your own words now?
Following the example of Jesus Christ who came to serve rather than to be served, service should be at the centre of the Christian lives. As we grow in intimacy with Jesus Christ, he will make it clear to us where he would like us to serve. Our society hungers for men and women of prayer…. men and women who will radiate the love of Christ to others … the more we centre our lives on Him, the more he will be able to use us as instruments of His love and mercy….
‘Less of me and more of thee’ – I ask that this be your prayer for 2006. It’s going to be mine. Happy New Year!
By Maggie Doherty, January 2006