Commitment Anew

On the Road

We have many opportunities to start anew through the year. The school year for most of us begins around August—September. The Church year begins with the Season of Advent, usually at the end of November. And of course, the new calendar year begins on January 1.

These yearly new beginnings invite us to consider how we spend our time. We often look back at the previous year to consider what we have learned — or we look forward to the new year by establishing goals or resolutions. We also herald in every year the Good News of Jesus, who is Christ yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Consider the various ways in which you can meet your professional and personal commitments. Think of the ways in which you are starting anew and the purpose behind each of your goals or resolutions for this new year. Be sure to set aside time for you and God to be together—perhaps time for service, personal prayer, a weekend retreat, or even a regularly scheduled commitment to participate in Mass.

Encounter

“Let us especially regret the smallest amount of time that we waste or fail to use in loving God.”
Saint John of the Cross

“But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD.
At an acceptable time, O God,
In the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me.”
Psalms 69:14 (13)

Go Forth

Why is taking time for yourself important in you growing as a disciple?

How does your planning for this new year meet the needs of your commitments, especially your commitment to Christ?