America's Largest Catholic Newspaper
This year will be different! That phrase captures the serious determination that people bring to the New Year. Statistics show that more than 140 million U.S. residents make resolutions in January. We do this because we want our new year to mark a new beginning in our lives. We want to bring about some needed change. And what better time to begin this change than with the changing calendar year? Not surprisingly, the most popular resolutions fall under the categories of personal health, financial affairs and interpersonal relationships.
Unfortunately statistics also show that by the time February rolls around, more than one-third of all New Year's resolutions have been discontinued. Why? Because (1) our resolutions were unrealistic, or (2) our resolutions involved deep-seated habits which were not as easy to break as we thought they would be, or (3) we bit off more than we could chew by making too many resolutions in the first place.
To avoid these pitfalls, let's look at a very short list for Catholics who are eager to succeed in their resolutions this year. Note that each resolution builds and expands on the one before it. The three resolutions are: live life, live life positively and live life positively for others.
Live Life
My commute to teach at the St John's University campus on Staten Island involves driving across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. Halfway across the span is a large sign that reads Life is Worth Living followed by a toll free number. The inference is obvious. This message is a last-ditch effort to reach out to someone who is contemplating suicide by jumping 226 feet into New York Harbor.
I'm sure that Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, whose Emmy-winning broadcast from 1952 to 1957 called “Life Is Worth Living,” would be thrilled to know that the spirit of his legacy lives on.
No matter how burdensome it may be at times, life is still precious. And the choice in favor of life rather than against life is always the correct moral decision.
New Year's resolution number one: Live more. Can we determine a simple method for keeping our attention focused on the sacredness of life? Or conversely, what is one way we are failing to live out the full worth of the life that's been given to us and how can we change this?
Live Life Positively
Instead of simply going through life in lockstep fashion, we need to celebrate the time God is giving us. Almost all senior citizens declare how surprised they are that their golden years came upon them so quickly. Life is short. So let's live joyfully, not repetitively.
Last month Time magazine selected Pope Francis as its Person of the Year. One of the qualities that he exudes is a sense of joy. In his first exhortation, “The Joy of the Gospel,” he warns us against the temptation of defeatism, which stifles zeal and turns us into pessimistic sourpusses.
New Year's resolution number two: Smile more. This is a very simple behavior that we can use to underscore the positive aspects of life.
Live Life Positively For Others
What's the quickest path to happiness? Pay more attention to others and focus less on ourselves. The key here is to quell expectations. If we don't look for rewards, we cannot be disappointed and our motivation is purified. We must be doing these kind deeds for the right reason because we are getting nothing in return, not even recognition. Not to worry. Our heavenly father sees our private deeds and he is never outdone in generosity.
New Year's resolution number three: Volunteer. And if we already do charity work, make an effort to bring someone new to the table.
For Holy Homework:
Let's place a repeat alert on our cell phone that delivers a pop up reminder about our Catholic resolutions for 2014: Live Life, Positively, For Others.
Happy New Year.
Comments can be sent to: FatherBobPagliari@Yahoo.com
