Scripture:
Reflection:
We are one month away from finishing another calendar year. In the coming weeks, we will hear reflections on the events of this year in the worlds of news, music, entertainment, sports, and so forth. Those reviews are almost always followed by talk of New Year’s resolutions.
We are also in the final days of the liturgical year. Our readings today, and recently, are focused on the end times. Certainly, a focus on the long view of our salvation is important to keep in mind. I recommend that we borrow from the calendar year traditions and take a closer look at our current relationship with God.
The close of the liturgical year is an appropriate time to reflect on our spiritual journey over the past year and prepare our new liturgical year resolutions. There is no formula to follow, no right or wrong process for your reflection. Just sit quietly with God and open your heart to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
Here are some starter questions to assist your reflection. How have I grown spiritually? How have I fallen short in my growth? Have I made time in my life for meditation and conversations with God? In what ways did I follow the two greatest commandments: love God and love my neighbor…and how and when did I fail to do so? How have I, as a member of the Passionist family, kept alive the memory of the Passion of Christ?
The act of remembering our past is a powerful way to connect with God. This is our opportunity to give thanks for the blessings we received, to ask forgiveness for our shortcomings, and to pray for the wisdom to carry forward the lessons we have learned into the new liturgical year.
Mike Owens is coordinator of the Passionist Alumni Association and a member of the Migration Commission of Holy Cross Province. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.