The Monthly Note
January 2006
All the new beginnings!
by Fr. Bernard East, OP
At the beginning of each year, people, by tradition, often make resolutions. It’s as if we start a new cycle each new year, hoping to do better than what we did in the past, at least on some aspects of our lives.
When we stop to think and try to make sense of all that, we sometimes make a sort of assessment of the past year, and even of our life.
Even the smallest of glances at what we are living and at what we have lived, could bitterly deceive us. We hoped for so much and yet, what we make of our achievements is deceiving. It is possible that I give the impression of being successful, of having achieved great success in my life, when deep down, and with reason, I am disappointed by my social, professional and family achievements.
It could happen that I am not proud of my relationship with the Lord. I distance myself from him or do not find time to listen to Him or meditate His Word. I do not give Him the place that He deserves in my life. I can even feel terribly unworthy of His love for me.
Even the greatest of saints had their difficulties and their doubts. The Lord knows me more that I know myself. With humility and confidence I have to throw myself in His arms because He loves me and can help me. He knows my weakness, and can give me His special graces that I need, according to my situation.
I know that new beginnings are possible with the Lord. With God’s help, I can free myself of this imprisonment brought about by sin. Lord, you see my sin, you know my weakness, keep close to me, I that is always in doubt. Help me in this New Year. I want to change what is wrong with me. I want to open up to you and to others, according to your commandment. Be by my side throughout 2006. In anticipation, Lord, I say THANK YOU.
Bernard East, o.p.
Rector
« In whatever our hearts condemn, for God is greater than our hearts and knows everything. » I Jn 3, 20
