As we enter the new year, I ask myself what it means for me. As we finish the time of Advent and Christmas, is it a return to the same old, or will I allow the words of Isaiah to guide me. ''I am about to create new heavens and a new earth.'' (65:17)
It has long been a tradition to make resolutions as we see that the New Year is a chance to make a new beginning. At the celebrations of the South American community, we first gave thanks to God for all the good things of the past year. There were many--continuing good health, the birth of babies, the arrival of new families, the unity and sharing during the Advent novenas. The feast of Mary, mother of the Holy Family, indicates a clear way forward. How amazing it was to think that the Son of God, born as our Savior, spent 30 of His 33 years with Mary and Joseph in a human family. We can only imagine the love, peace and unity that must have existed in that family and it is an inspiration for us as we resolve to bring that love and peace into our family and community life.
May the New Year bring true peace to our suffering world. Amen.