HAPPY NEW YEAR
Welcome to the start of a new liturgical year - Year A. The Church welcomes
the new year with a new season- Advent, which is s time to enter into more
deeply the season of Advent. Advent recalls the waiting for the
Messiah of course, but it is also about the second coming of Christ in all His
glory at the end of time.
I especially like Advent because it gives me a chance to review my life
and make a plan, set goals and have a very good stocktake of
myself. I especially love Year A of Advent because it gives me the
opportunity to set a bigger picture plan over 3 years and to really focus on my
relationship with Jesus. How many times
when you go to an interview is the question asked ''Where do you want to be in
5 years time? I like to ask myself that same question using the 3-year
cycle instead. Where will my relationship with Jesus be and how will I grow
through God’s grace during these 3 years.
It is always good to acknowledge growth because it can motivate us to
know that good has occurred. Reviewing my life is good because it helps me to
refocus my attention to what matters. Setting goals and making an effort
to implement them keeps me on track to further progress. Using these tools for
my spiritual growth seems an obvious extension.
So I ask myself
- What
areas of my life do I want to be different this time next year/ 2 /3 years
time?
- what
areas do I want to work on specifically in Advent?
- Do I
need someone else to journey with me to encourage me on my journey- a
spiritual director, a Christian counsellor, a spiritual mentor - if so,
who might that be?
- what
goals will I set and how will I implement them- in other words I set the
goals and then break the goals down into manageable bite size pieces-
putting a general time line on these goals is important b/c it keeps me
motivated. However there is always more with God and His timeline
may be different from mine. So I keep this point firmly in mind- not
as an excuse to fail but as a realistic factor in the journey of faith.
Advent too is a penitential season. We are reminded of it with the
violet vestments that the priest wears. Leading up to Christmas can be
difficult with various parties to include some fasting. However, with
intention to include it as part of your advent journey, it can be
achieved.
Start small- maybe you fancy another mince pie. They are a real
weakness of mine. !!!!
Going without a second, third or fourth one is a starting point.
Remember though your motive. Is your motive God related or weight
related? Do you have a tendency towards greed or lack of temperance in
food/drink? If so, then start small and make a start to change this vice
towards a grace/virtue.
This way you can enjoy celebrating with your family/friends but you can
also celebrate your own spiritual growth.
Many of us do a good spring clean before Christmas before family and
friends come. What about a spiritual spring clean? What will do
about your soul this advent?
I encourage you to not let Advent pass you by spiritually. It is a
very quick season liturgically speaking but we are meant to be in an attitude
of waiting- waiting expectantly.
I hope you wait expectantly and with hope during this season of Advent.
Happy New Year.
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