New Year! New Resolutions! They go together like hand and glove. As I throw last year’s calendar into the bin and hang up a new one, I am as compelled as the Wise Men drawn by the shining star, to set out on a new spiritual journey of discovery; to make a brand new start.
Of course, there are times when my star dims and diminishes; my resolution grows lukewarm, through lack of originality, or because I make too many of them. In a sense, this New Year of 2016, came before its time on December 8th, when Pope Francis passed through the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica. He struck it three times with his silver hammer, heralding the beginning of the Year of Mercy. Five days later, he invited us to set off together on pilgrimage into the merciful heart of the Father. He was prompting us to make the most significant resolution of our lives. According to Pope Francis, “Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy”. “ Whoever sees Jesus, sees the Father”( John 14:9) I am reminded of the lovely lines of the hymn,” We behold the splendour of God, shining on the face of Jesus”
I see that some of my New Year Resolutions are very similar to those of Pope Francis; being tolerant, generous, kind and forgiving, caring for the earth, working for peace etc. These are all included in the motto for the Year of Mercy “ Merciful like the Father” Here is a programme for the New Year. I realise that the only star I need to follow, is the one leading into God’s Heart, full of Mercy, Goodness and Kindness. If I am steeped in it, I will in turn become an authentic witness to all those beautiful qualities I desire.
Shakespeare wrote of Mercy:
“The quality of mercy is not strained;
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven,
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:”
Doris Klein wrote that “Each of us stands at the gate of tomorrow facing the future”. I now stand at that gateway , which offers an invitation, opportunity and challenge. I am aware that by coming from the east, the Wise Kings silently proclaimed that Christ came for everybody, Jew and Gentile alike, and that the greatest gift was not the gold, frankincense, or myrrh, but the tiny infant Himself.
Research has shown, that very few of us are able to stick to our good resolutions. Will I even remember what they were, by the end of the year? Does it matter if I don’t? Setbacks are opportunities on which to build new dreams. Being present to God with quality, will take care of everything. So I look at my new calendar once more and say with Dag Hammarskjoid Markings,
For all that has been, thanks;
For all that will be, yes.
Sr Una Rutledge, RNDM