Ascension : News From The Grotto - Thought For The Day
Submitted by The Islander (Gavin Yon) 15.01.2004 (Article Archived on 29.01.2004)

Here we are in a new year, 2004, already. Remember the big deal about the millennium?

 Here we are in a new year, 2004, already.  Remember the big deal about the millennium?  I’m sure we all remember where we were on that New Year’s Eve.  Does it seem possible that it was four years ago?  Do we remember the resolutions that we made back then?  Have we kept them?

            A new year is a chance for a new start.  We all make resolutions, lose a little weight, eat healthier, take better care of ourselves.  It usually doesn’t take long for most of us to allow these resolutions to fall by the wayside.  Hopefully a little of it sticks, and we are nicer to ourselves. 

            The really important resolutions, however, are the ones that most of us never even think of making.  These are the resolutions that we should be making as a Christian.  The resolutions that we should make about how we live our lives, and how we can show our love of God, and our belief in His teachings.  We are reminded each week in the readings how to do this. 

            Today we are told in the first reading that the Lord has called us to serve the cause of right.  He goes on to give us instructions on how to do this, and we should listen.  We should take His words to heart, and search our hearts for ways that we can fulfill His wishes.  We should be making special New Year’s resolutions based on being a better Christian.  We need to ask ourselves what we can do to show our love and faith.  How can we open the eyes of the blind, free captives from prison and those who live in darkness from the dungeon? 

            Every one of us can help in some small way.  And it all adds up.  All we need to do is remember the gift of God’s spirit that we received in our own baptism, and resolve to pass it on to those who need our help. We received the greatest gift of all, and it is our responsibility to share it.  However each of us chooses to do it is not the important issue, simply that we choose to do it at all.

            So with the dawning of another year, let me wish everyone a blessed, fulfilling year in your own life.  And let us all remember our faith, and our trust in God, and let us all resolve to live a better Christian life, one filled with understanding, tolerance, forgiveness, love and sharing.  Let us make a difference in someone else’s life.  That will be our greatest gift this year, and a resolution worth keeping.

            I would like to remind everyone that all are welcome at The Grotto.  Please join us Sunday evenings at 7 pm.