happy old year!
"I, Daniel, found my spirit anguished within its sheath of flesh, and I was terrified by the visions of my mind." —Daniel 7:15
Today is the last day of the Church year. As we look back over the year or years, we may be confused and even disappointed. The writer of the book of Daniel assures us that the Lord knows beforehand all that has happened or will happen (Dn 7:16). The Lord is in control. Out of respect for our freedom and in His infinite wisdom, He allows things to happen which are not His perfect will. Nevertheless, the Lord is the Lord of all. He will make "all things work together for the good of those who love" Him (Rm 8:28).
We need not figure out the past, but we do need to learn from the past, including this past year. We need to thank the Lord for last year and then leave it behind. As we end this year of Jesus, we should "give no thought to what lies behind but push on to what is ahead" (Phil 3:13). Our "entire attention" should be "on the finish line" — "life on high in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:14).
When we leave the past behind, however, we should not be running away from unfinished business. We should have repented of every sin committed, forgiven every offense, been healed of every hurt, obeyed every one of the Lord's commands, and answered every one of His calls.
On this last day of the Church year, let's close the year. Go to Confession. Do today what you've been putting off all year. Make that visit or phone call. End finished. Start beginning. Happy new year!
Prayer: Father, thank You for life, years, love, and You.
Promise: "Be on guard lest your spirits become bloated with indulgence and drunkenness and worldly cares. The great day will suddenly close in on you like a trap." —Lk 21:34
Praise: Louise repented and made her first Confession in over a year.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, March 22, 1997
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 26, 1997