Dear God, it’s a new year again. I can’t remember last year’s resolutions, probably something about eating less, praying more and being kinder. I know I didn’t keep them as well as I would like. They’re worthwhile goals, though, so if you don’t mind, I’ll resolve them again this year.
I know there’s more to good health than my perpetual diet. Healthy living includes exercising, turning down French fries and eating vegetables again and again. The same is true for my spiritual health. I need to talk less, listen more, pray for help, read my Bible and serve my neighbor over and over again.
As you know, this is my 69th new year. It’s hard for me to get excited about yet another January first. I know I’ll feel stiff and sore, forget someone’s name and have to ask someone to repeat what they said again today. I’ll move more slowly and take more time to understand. Lord, grant me patience with myself and the youngsters around me.
While I’m making requests, I ask for help keeping the promises I made at the recent Rite of Reconciliation. I confess that when I ask for help, I’m really hoping you’ll do it for me. However, you apparently want my sanctification to be a joint effort. So, be prepared to forgive my failures again and again this year.
Father, I lift up those persons I know who need guidance or healing. I’ve prayed for some of these people for years. It’s hard to keep hoping. It’s even harder to pray for peace and justice yet again. Strengthen my faith in the power of prayer. Don’t let me quit or mindlessly rush through my petitions. Lord, hear my prayer.
It’s an election year again, Lord. Sometimes I think we’d do just as well if we randomly picked our leaders from the phonebook. We voters share the blame. We resist any laws or policies requiring us to make any sacrifices for the common good. Once again, I ask you to bless my community and my country. If your will is done, we’ll be fine.
Dear God, your servant Pope Francis again urges us to help the poor and needy. I think he means something bigger than twenty bucks to Catholic Charities once a year. He talks about economic justice and sacrificial giving. I hear in his words the message you’ve sent us again and again through your prophets. We’re all one family, and we’re supposed to take care of one another. Show me where I can help — today.
The anniversary of Roe v. Wade is coming up again. I worry that our pro-life activities have become counterproductive and that people just tune out any discussion about abortion. Help us work just as hard on behalf of the elderly and disabled. Help us see the pro-life aspects of other issues such as war, pollution and capital punishment.
I’m sorry if I’m being a crabby old lady again, Lord. My life is full of your blessings. Thank you once again for my family and friends, who know me well and love me anyway. Thank you for my beautiful island home. Thank you for the gift of faith and the pleasures of parish life. Thank you for the ministry of my column and the opportunity to talk with you this way whenever I want.
Please ignore my grumbling and forgive my spiritual sloth. Turn my attention outward. Nudge me when there is an opportunity to serve you. The fireworks, football games and feasting are over. It’s time to tackle this New Year. Lord, here we go again. Amen.
Kathleen welcomes comments. Send them to Kathleen Choi, 1706 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo, HI 96720, or e-mail: kathchoi@hawaii.rr.com.
