Dear Friends,
Sr. Regina Chassar, SSJ
We have celebrated Christmas, the Incarnation of Christ into our world. We begin the new year on January 1st with the feast of Mary, Mother of God, and an opportunity for us to reflect on Mary, our mother. As we read in Luke’s Gospel, we find many farewells in the narrative of Jesus’ birth. Most of the scenes we read end in a departure. Here are a few examples for your prayer and reflection as we enter the New Year.
Zechariah received the vision of the angel in the temple;
he then went home with his wife, Elizabeth.
Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth;
she returned to her home.
The shepherds go to Bethlehem to visit the Savior;
they return to the fields and their sheep.
Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple;
they returned to their home in Nazareth.
In every departure we leave something behind and move toward something new.
This New Year’s Day and in the days to come we could ask ourselves two questions
- What do I want to leave behind?
- What do I want to be new in my life?
The great English writer Cardinal John Newman wrote:
“To be human is to change. To be perfect is to have changed often.”
May this New Year find us leaving something behind and moving toward something new as we live each day that God gives us. God’s peace and blessings for you and your family. You are all remembered in prayer during this holy season and throughout the year.
Peace of Christ,
Sister Regina