My New Year’s Resolution

January 1st is traditionally the day that people begin their New Year’s resolution. Usually, these resolutions involve some physical challenge. Maybe it’s to eat healthier meals, exercise, lose weight, join a gym, hire a Trainer or Life Coach, etc… Certainly, these are noble goals that are good for our body’s health but what about the health of your soul?

The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Church’s liturgical year - an opportune time to pay attention to our soul’s health. Think of January 1st as your opportunity to get “in shape” physically and Advent as the opportunity to get into “spiritual shape.”

Could this be the time to commit to reading a Gospel passage every day? Whether that means dusting off that copy of the Bible sitting on the shelf at home or installing the Hallow app on your cell phone?. Could it mean picking up the Advent reflection booklet on the way out of Church today? Or maybe commit to praying the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary this Advent? Maybe begin with praying one decade of the rosary each day and reflecting on Christ’s infinite love for us. Maybe develop the habit of going to daily Mass or stopping and saying one Hail Mary at noon each day.

Just as carrying out that January resolution is challenging, so too keeping our Advent resolution can be challenging. The only difference is that in the spiritual life every day is a new year’s day. We simply begin again, and we don’t give into discouragement. Our Trainer and Life Coach, Jesus, only encourages us and spurs us on to victory. He encourages us to grow more in love with our Heavenly Father.

So, take a few moments today and consider an Advent resolution. Ask yourself, “How can I grow spiritually this year? What one thing can I commit to doing each day? Not sure how to answer these questions? Ask (pray) your Life Coach to help you – He works for free, and He has all the time in the world to devote Himself to you. Happy Advent and Happy New Year!