“Behold, I make all things new.” (Rev 21:5)
The year is coming to a close and the New Year is quickly approaching. There may be some things we are trying to finish, wished we would have done and never got around to, and things that will carry over into the new year.
However, we choose to go “out with the old, in with the new’’ let it always be for the love of God and love of neighbor. (Mk 12:30-31)
In speaking with my dear friend, Deacon Cruz, today, I heard three words that struck my heart when he spoke of how he became a deacon. He said he was “called, persuaded and convinced” by God.
As we prepare our New Year’s Resolutions, let us reflect on these words and pray about how God is calling, persuading and convincing us to know, love and serve Him with the goal of our eternal salvation and that of the whole world.
Let us choose spiritually transformative resolutions that will help us to grow in virtue, holiness and a deeper relationship with each person of the Holy Trinity.
Let us prayerfully “listen” to hear that we are “called” by God the Father to a specific mission daily so that we may fulfill His holy will. Let us humbly “learn” so that we can be “persuaded” by Jesus’ words and put them into practice. Let us passionately “love” and be “convinced” by the Holy Spirit to live, move and have our being in Him.
Let us be “called, persuaded and convinced” by God in light of the theological virtues of faith, hope and love this New Year!
CALLED BY GOD THE FATHER OUR FAITH
Listen: “I am the Lord, there is no other, there is no God besides me.” (Is 45:5)
Learn: “By faith, we believe in God and believe all that he has revealed to us and that Holy Church proposes for our belief.” (CCC 1842)
Love: Spend time in Adoration, worship, and thanksgiving to God the Father by attending Holy Mass on Sundays (obligatory), Holy Days of obligation and frequently during the week. Invite others to the Catholic Church and share your faith.
PERSUADED BY JESUS OUR HOPE
Listen: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Rom 15:13)
Learn: “By hope we desire, and with steadfast trust await from God, eternal life and the graces to merit it.” (CCC 1843)
Love: Formation by learning more about Catholic teachings and the Deposit of Faith. Read the Bible and pray through Scripture. Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Pray the rosary daily and meditate on the Life of Jesus.
CONVINCED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT OUR LOVE
Listen: “Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.” (1 Jn 4:8)
Learn: “By charity, we love God above all things and our neighbor as ourselves for love of God. Charity, the form of all the virtues, ‘binds everything together in perfect harmony.’” (Col 3:14) (CCC 1844)
Love: Reciprocate the Holy Spirit’s love by “praying without ceasing.” (1 Thes 5:16-18)
Use your gifts, talents and creativity for the building up of the mystical body of Christ by volunteering your time at church or a charitable organization.
Let us pray for the gift of certitude this new year and let God guide and lead us into the joy of His success!
“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you…plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope.” (Jer 29:11)