My dear family in Christ,

Have you mad your new year's resolution yet? It might seema a bit premature to ask this question and it would be if I was referring to the calendar year, but as we are at the end of the liturgical year and are preparing to enter into the new liturgical year next week, I believe it is a good time to ask the question. I suggest the follow reflection to help us all make a resolution or two as we enter the season of Advent.

First, look back at the last liturgical year and ask ourselves the questions, have I grown in my relationship with Christ this past year? Have I been able to avoid past habitual sins? Have I become more charitable toward others, especially the poor and needy? Have I prayed every day? If we can't answer yes to all of these questions, then we should make some resolutions to address where we have failed in these areas of our faith lives.

Resolve to pray every day, finding some time to give to God so that we might pour out our hearts to Him and listen for His voice. If we don't do this as the bare minimum, I'm afraid we will never grow in faith. Resolve to acknowledge our sins and failures regularly and seek the Lord's forgiveness in reconciliation. It is far too easy sometimes to rationalize our sins away or excuse ourselves for sinful behavior. This is not the way to grow in holiness. Resolve to increase our charity toward others.. Even if we cannot do so in a monetary way, we can do so in our words, actions and attitudes. Finally, resolve to grow in our relationship with Christ by frequenting Mass, receiving Holy Communion, sacrificing, fasting and choosing to learn more about our faith and our God.

If we can make these simple resolutions then I believe as this time of year all of us will be able to say that my relationship with Christ is stronger that it was a year ago.

I am taking my own advice and will be on retreat from November 21-November 27. I'll be asking myself these questions and making these resolutions. Please pray for me as I will be praying for you.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

In Christ,

Msgr. John J. McDermott, V.G.