A Sunday Thought About Resolutions to Start the New Year Off Right
Do you make New Year's resolutions? I used to produce a list every New Year's, most of which I'd forget before January. Then I boiled my resolutions down to one, maybe two. I wouldn't forget them, and sometimes I would actually work on one or both items for a spell. They usually consisted of stuff like: lose 10 pounds; get 8 hours sleep every night; increase my earnings. Or maybe items like: improve this or that job skill; be more patient, especially with my loved ones; or, one of my favorites, be more cheerful.
I've given up on New Year's resolutions, not that there's anything wrong with them. It's just that after a while it dawned on me that they were, for the most part, about me. Even something like being more patient or cheerful. And even in those cases where I was successful at changing for the better, did the new improved "me" really benefit others? Or did it all just make me feel good about myself?
What it came down to was this: Given human nature, I figured the last thing most of us need either in January or at any other time of year, is anything that makes us more self-centered. We humans started that ball rolling when the Devil got to Eve and Adam ate the apple. Created in His image and likeness, we were as close as could be to God in the Garden. But the Devil figured out we'd respond to the pride that got him thrown out of Heaven. And so we did. And ever since then, it's been a struggle getting out of ourselves and closer to God.
So I guess what I'm saying here is that since New Year's resolutions wind up being about us, they're not really going to help us in the daily struggle in which we, the Church Militant, are engaged: overcoming ourselves and growing closer to God. Now, if you're already one of those grace-filled folks who can see beyond your nose, who mostly do unto and for others rather than yourself, these words from a great Catholic spiritual director may not apply to you. For the rest of us, though, Father Joseph Schryvers' words should help us start the New Year off right. By the way, I'm really struck by Father's comments about how, even when we are ostensibly performing good works, "imperfections are permitted to slip into" and taint our efforts. See if you agree:
I've given up on New Year's resolutions, not that there's anything wrong with them. It's just that after a while it dawned on me that they were, for the most part, about me. Even something like being more patient or cheerful. And even in those cases where I was successful at changing for the better, did the new improved "me" really benefit others? Or did it all just make me feel good about myself?
What it came down to was this: Given human nature, I figured the last thing most of us need either in January or at any other time of year, is anything that makes us more self-centered. We humans started that ball rolling when the Devil got to Eve and Adam ate the apple. Created in His image and likeness, we were as close as could be to God in the Garden. But the Devil figured out we'd respond to the pride that got him thrown out of Heaven. And so we did. And ever since then, it's been a struggle getting out of ourselves and closer to God.
So I guess what I'm saying here is that since New Year's resolutions wind up being about us, they're not really going to help us in the daily struggle in which we, the Church Militant, are engaged: overcoming ourselves and growing closer to God. Now, if you're already one of those grace-filled folks who can see beyond your nose, who mostly do unto and for others rather than yourself, these words from a great Catholic spiritual director may not apply to you. For the rest of us, though, Father Joseph Schryvers' words should help us start the New Year off right. By the way, I'm really struck by Father's comments about how, even when we are ostensibly performing good works, "imperfections are permitted to slip into" and taint our efforts. See if you agree:
"To be perfectly pleasing to God, all one’s aspirations and desires should continually tend towards God, the sovereign good. But our inclinations so often move in an opposite direction, towards tenderness for self, severity towards our neighbor, towards cupidity, pride, cowardice, and a host of other vices; and personal sin accentuates this tendency towards evil. Besides actual sin and reprehensible inclinations, there are also omissions. With a little zeal you could serve God better than you are doing. Dare you pretend to affirm that in the matter of generosity, humility, obedience, fraternal charity and zeal, you give your full measure? Then again what imperfections are permitted to slip into good works which are performed by us, what selfish motives and human inclinations, what defects in the execution of duties! Negligence and impetuosity so often spoil apparently beautiful works! ‘Take away from your miserable virtues,’ said Joseph de Maistre, ‘what is due to temperament, honor, opinion, pride, powerlessness, or the force of circumstances, and what will remain?’ Who will deny that he has a continual need to turn towards God to implore His clemency and patience with so many defects? Happily we have to deal with an infinitely good and merciful God, ever ready to forgive. Jesus forgives us, and He forgives the thousandth time as perfectly as the first. After granting us pardon there is no bitterness in His heart, nor remembrance of our fault in His mind, because He forgives as God, from a heart of infinite goodness. The door of His justice is always locked; to open it one must will it, and will it obstinately. The door of His goodness is always ajar; to throw it open, it needs but be touched gently; a child can do it.” - Father Joseph Schryvers, C.SS.R (1876-1945)
Wishing you a Happy and Holy New Year!
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