As Catholics, celebrating New Year's Eve and New Year's Eve is much more than celebrating with the traditions of each locality or country: it is recognizing God's presence in the time we live in and in our own personal history. What does this celebration mean from a Christian perspective?
The arrival of the New Year is not just an excuse for parties and good resolutions, it is a perfect opportunity for Catholics, and for all Christians, to live it with a deep sense of faith!
Pope Francis invites us to live gratitude as a way of life and not only on New Year's Eve or New Year's Eve: "Gratitude is a powerful weapon. Only those who know how to give thanks to God can also radiate hope".
At the end of the year, we can look back and recognize the hand of God in every moment, even in the difficulties experienced by all people without exception. Every joy and also every trial have been occasions to grow in faith and holiness. A good exercise might be to dedicate a few minutes before midnight to write a list of the blessings we have received during the year that is ending.
???? Tip: participates in the Mass of thanksgiving on December 31st. It is a beautiful tradition that helps us to close the year praising the Lord for all that we have lived and to start the New Year with the illusion of counting on his support.
St. Josemaría encouraged us to begin and begin again with hope and without fear, because God is our Father and we are his children. The New Year reminds us that God always gives us a new opportunity to draw closer to him. No matter how many times we have fallen or failed in our resolutions, the important thing is to get up and walk with confidence.
???? Purpose: Rather than superficial goals, such as going to the gym or eating healthier, ask God what He expects of you this year. How can you grow in holiness, how can you better serve others?
On January 1, the Church celebrates the World Peace Dayinstituted by St. Paul VI. It is a reminder that peace must begin in our hearts and then spread to our families, communities and the whole world.
St. Francis of Assisi said: "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, where there is hatred I will bring your love. Where there is injury, your forgiveness Lord. Where there is doubt, faith in you". A whole life plan and New Year's resolution.
???? Reflection: this New Year's Eve and New Year, ask God to make you a peacemaker, someone who forgives, listens and seeks reconciliation in everything and with everyone.
On January 1, we also celebrate the Solemnity of St. Mary, Mother of God. As our spiritual Mother, she accompanies us every step of the way. It is the perfect time to consecrate the coming year to her maternal protection.
???? Tip: reads a Rosario in the family or dedicate a special prayer asking for his intercession.
1️⃣ Live the celebrations with joy, not excess. Celebrate in moderation and take time to share with your loved ones, remembering that Christ is the center of everything and everyone.
2️⃣ Make an examination of conscience before the end of the year. Reflect on your actions, ask forgiveness for your failures and propose to improve. And take the opportunity as soon as you can to make a good Confession.
3️⃣ Prepare a list of spiritual resolutions: Read more BibleWe need to be more generous with our time, which is what costs the most and has the most value.
4️⃣ Dedicate some time to silence and prayer. The hustle and bustle of New Year's Eve can be distracting, but giving yourself a few minutes of recollection will help you start the year with serenity and peace.
St. Josemaría said in a letter of December 1970: "You know that the Father opens his heart to you with sincerity. I don't believe in that saying: new year, new life. In twenty-four hours nothing changes. Only the Lord, with his grace, can convert Saul in a moment, from persecutor of the Christians to Apostle".
And at Christmas 1972 he added: "Therefore, this year especially is a time of thanksgiving, and so I have pointed it out to my daughters and sons, with words taken from the liturgy: "...".Ut in gratiarum semper actione maneamus!".
May we always be in a continual thanksgiving to God for all thingsFor what seems good and for what seems bad, for what is sweet and for what is bitter, for what is black and for what is white, for what is small and for what is large, for what is little and for what is much, for what is temporary and for what is eternal. Let us thank Our Lord for all that has happened this year, and also in a certain way for our infidelities, because we have recognized them and they have led us to ask his forgiveness, and to concretize the resolution - which will bring much good for our souls - never to be unfaithful again".
???? Happy New Year's Eve and blessed New Year!
May each chime be an act of gratitude and hope, and may Christ be our light in this new beginning of the year.
