The past year was a kind of mixed bag - the Arab spring and
end of dictatorships in many countries were mixed with global economic woes,
centered-round Europe. Our personal life stories many not be too different. This
time is the best time to reinvent the ancient Christian spiritual tradition of
“examination of conscience” - to take stock of our deeds and actions. Let’s
find out some time to sit and relax, may be at the beach side (weather
permitting!) and to look back and evaluate our life – both materially and
spiritually.
It’s also a time to look forward and to make new
resolutions. We may have dreams and wishes, like “I want to pass my exams this
year”. But a resolution is bit different where I would say that “I will devout
an extra hour everyday for study to pass my exams”. January 1st is
also the feast day of Mary - the Mother of God, who was prepared to put her
efforts to realize that title.
Luke chapter 2 verses19 and 51 show us how she “treasured the
word and pondered it in her heart" to respond concretely to the
plan of God in her life. She not only said “Yes” but also was ready to
corroborate it with actions, which we will see all through out her life – till
the cross at Calvary and the Upper House with disciples.
Year 2012-13 is called by Australian bishops’ conference as
“Year of Grace”. Wish you all a grace-filled New Year.
Publish in the Parish Bulletin of Corpus Christi parish, Tuggeranong, Canberra, Australia
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