Happy New Year, One Day at a Time
The first weekend of this new year is the liturgical celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord. From the Gospel of Matthew 2:1-12 we read the account of the three magi coming from the east asking, “Where is the newborn King of the Jews?” We know the account very well; this year the one phrase that stands out the most for me is the final line of the reading: “they departed for their country by another way.” Off they went and I bet they found some new delights on their journey home!
I guess as this new year dawns it is time to make resolutions to live a healthier, holier, happier life in 2021. One of the ideas I have been pondering is “how can I live each day in another way”?
I was recently reminded of the song “Day by Day” from the musical “Godspell” from 1972 and its lovely, simple lyrics:
Day by day, day by day,
Oh dear Lord, three things I pray:
To see thee more clearly,
To love thee more dearly,
To follow thee more nearly,
Day by day.
From friends and family who are involved in 12 step programs, I am reminded that I only have this day and that life is lived one day at a time. As the fellows at our local I Love Bagels store told me last week: “Father John, “yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift and that’s why it is called the present”. (quoting Eleanor Roosevelt)
Lord, give us the grace to live each day, one day at a time, grateful for the gift of faith. Who knows what delights will be in store each day of 2021? They will certainly outweigh the struggles.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Mass
New Year’s Eve 5pm (Fr. Evan Simington Presiding)
New Year’s Day 8:30am (Msgr. John Presiding)
