January 7, 2022
Dear Friends,
New year, new you. What are the other gimmicks that we hear at the beginning of a new year? I am not trying to discredit the idea of the New Year’s resolution, because I do feel there is some merit in it. I think it needs to be more than just a failed attempt at being better. How often or how soon after the New Year do we see people give up on that resolution? A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far, away. Nope, that’s another story. A long time ago I read an article about habits. The basic premise of the article was that to establish a new habit/routine it takes about 30 days of constant repetition to learn something new. Take for instance riding your bike, tying your shoes, things like that. It didn’t necessarily come to you right away, but after all this practice you eventually learned the skill. On the flip side, to break a habit takes twice as long (if not longer) to break that old habit.
I do not say this to dissuade you from trying to do something new, but as a reminder that there is work involved when we try self-improvement, whether it is physically or mentally. It takes work. When it comes to our relationship with God, when it comes to our prayer life, it is the same thing. If we forget to pray, if we do not have those conversations with Him, on a consistent basis, where will we be when we absolutely need Him?
Everything in our lives takes work. As we move into the year, instead of a New Year’s resolution, maybe just start the process of change, finding habits that you know you need to start working on and start the process. At the same time, as we try to break old habits, add in a new one. Focus on prayer, clearing your mind and talking to God. Maybe add the rosary to your routine, even if you just listen to it on your morning commute either into work or before walking into your home office. Come to Eucharistic Adoration and spend some time in silent prayer with the Lord. Engage with our Martha’s and Mary’s or Matthew’s Men groups, both of which have upcoming sessions - Matthew’s Men meets tomorrow at 8:00 am and Martha’s and Mary’s meets on the 15th at 8:00 am.
May the New Year be a blessed one for you. Enjoy today’s snowfall. See the world reborn today and take it with you each day.
God Bless,
Fr. Brian