HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We should all try to do this at all times. Maybe this year we can do better.

Thought for this year:

The following is taken from a set of books written by the Rev. M. Hamon, S.S. It was written in 1894, and it has some interesting insights into daily living.

MEANS WHEREBY TO SPEND THIS YEAR IN A HOLY MANNER

First, we must attach ourselves to performing our ordinary actions well, even down to the most common amongst them, which appear to be nothing in the eyes of the world; that is, to do them at the proper time and in the right manner; to perform them for God, with an ardent desire to please Him. Therein holiness consists, much more than in the extraordinary actions which, for the very reason that they are extraordinary, are rare. Second, we must always be endeavoring to live better during the present moment than during the one which preceded it. If we have done well we must strive to do still better. True virtue never says: 'It is enough.' In this matter, not to advance is to go back. Always to advance, such is the word of command; always to rise higher, such is the rule of the just. (Ps. 86:5) Third, we must study our besetting sin, and when we know it well, make war to the death against it all the year long, by means of vigilance, of examination of your conscience, of good Confession, and fervent prayer. "If, every year," says the author of the Imitation, "we tear out a vice from our hearts, we shall soon be perfect." (1 Imit. 11:5) Let us be deeply be penetrated with these three means for passing the year in a holy fashion, and let us make a strong resolution to do so.