A Wish You For You And A Resolution For Me

On my way to church for the New Year’s Eve Vigil Mass of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, this column preoccupied my thoughts. Over and over, my thoughts went all over the place before returning to one of my favorite Bible passages – and I decided to make it the focus of this piece.

Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be the first reading in the Liturgy of the Word for Mary’s Jan. 1 holy day.

Specifically, I refer to Numbers 6: 24-26 – “The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!”

In the moment of humbling discovery, it became clear that the Holy Spirit was asking me to pass along this biblical blessing to all who read these words – as a wish for the New Year. So I do.

A couple of days later, another Bible passage grabbed hold of me as I thought about the concept of resolutions for 2015. Clearly, it spoke to me personally. Many of you likely already understand it and follow it; others, like me, can’t seem to acknowledge and embrace the power in its simplicity.

Before revealing it, let me ask you a few questions. We’re about a week into 2015; what kind of plans have you made? Are you thinking about getting your taxes done? What about this year’s vacation? Are you contemplating some kind of major life change this year (e.g. looking for another job, moving to a new place, going back to school, getting married, etc.)?

Maybe it’s nothing major. Could be the plan for the Otters’ home opener in May, or maybe this year’s summer social or family reunion. No matter; from here, it’s a safe bet that you already have something – or a few things – on your mind for the coming weeks and months.

Count me among your ranks. I’d run out of space quickly if I listed all of the things – professionally and personally – that have crossed my mind before 2015 is even 10 days old. It’s not healthy – especially spiritually.

As I sink deeper into that abyss, a lot of life passes me by. It does you, too – if you find yourself in a similar place.

So … about that second Bible passage. I have resolved to make the best effort of my life to live in its light for the rest of this year.

The New American Bible includes the following heading over the short section of Matthew’s Gospel that includes the passage in question: “Dependence on God.”

That heading appears at the beginning of Matthew 6: 25-34. Read all of it; it won’t take a minute. And know that my resolution is to fully embrace that last verse every day – as much as I am able.

Matthew 6:34 – “Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”

Join me?