Isn’t there something about new things? In their crisp pristine newness, they are both captivating and appealing.
This is especially true of a
New Year which inspires in us the hope in possibilities as yet unrealized. We hope for a better year than the last one, and watch the ball drop on Time Square and around the world and toast, not really knowing what lies ahead of us.
Scripture tells us
“Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old” (Is 43:18). But we do consider them, and dwell on them, and sometimes drag them with us everywhere we go. We are like Marley’s ghost, hauling with us the less than perfect in our lives and in ourselves, allowing the imperfect to mar perspective and mask what is possible with a new beginning. We all yearn for
‘do-overs’ or
‘do-betters’ and second, third, and umpteen chances. And isn’t that where New Year’s resolutions come from?
The problem with resolutions is that I think that I’m perfectible, that maybe this time I’ll get it right. Instead, Jesus reminds me,
“With (fill in my name here) this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” We have a God, through Jesus Christ, that makes it possible at every instance of our lives to begin again, to turn things around, to try something new — or to try harder and stay the course if that’s what’s needed. The sacraments assist us: Eucharist where we receive Jesus into our very being, and reconciliation where Jesus forgives and heals all that we bring to Him. And it is in Jesus that we find our answer:
“See, I am making all things new” (Rev 21:5).
At the start of a new year and a new decade, what if the only resolution we make is to invite Jesus to make new in my life what only He can change? Here’s to a Jesus newness!
May God bless the year ahead. Happy New Year, everyone!