‘Tempus fugit’ – ‘Time flies’ as the ancient philosopher proclaimed. How right he was! We are now beginning 2022. Some people will make New Year Resolutions to try to live in a more authentic and meaningful way. Many of us quickly forget our promises or are faithful just now and then.
Perhaps for 2022 we could be counselled by the Prophet Tobit who advised, “Do to no one what you would not want done to you. Give your bread to those who are hungry. Ask advice of every wise person. Bless the Lord God in everything. Beg Him to guide your ways and bring your paths and purposes to a good end.” (Tobit Ch4.V.15-20) How simple! But how beneficial it could be.
Sometimes we can become blind and insensitive to reality. We need to know and be convinced that nothing can separate us from the love of God. He gives us strength to stand up to all that would alienate us and tear us away from Him. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.” If we allow this to influence the way we live and what we do then we would have no fear. We need to remember that we are not almighty nor all powerful. Only God is and He cares for us.
One of the saddest comments of our times is that there are so many people without any purpose or goal in their lives. They free-wheel day after day but they are really adrift with no destination in mind. They are being tossed by whatever prevailing wind blows. Often their attitude is ‘why bother’. But dealt properly ‘bother’ can become positive and life enhancing. Without commitment nothing can be achieved.
In the Book of Joshua we are reminded to, “Put more trust in God. Remember that He has commanded you to be determined and confident. Don’t be afraid or discouraged for I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go.” In the New Testament we read that, “Where your treasure is there is your heart.”
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If we keep our hearts open to God, and to others, miracles will happen. Our hearts are where the beauty and wonder of our human spirit come alive. Often because our minds are preoccupied with present things we forget who we are. The heart is the archive of all our memories and it never forgets.
Each of us carries the Book of our Life within our heart. So it is wise to tune into our heart and listen to what it whispers. The heart will never betray us because it knows that it is the storehouse of our joys, our sorrows, our successes and failures and of our sufferings.
Let this New Year be one in which we open our hearts to God and to others. An open heart is always ready to be enriched and to be nourished because it is in giving that we receive.
Lord God, deepen our Faith, strengthen our Hope, and enkindle our Love so that we may obtain what You promise.
Sr Abbie O’Sullivan
Published in the January/February 2022 issue of the Far East magazine. Subscribe here: https://columbans.ie/product/far-east-magazine-yearly-subscription/