Happy New Year
Happy New Year!
As Catholics, we are at the beginning of a New Year, regardless of whether the calendar shows it or not. The new liturgical year begins on November 28, the first Sunday of Advent. As you may be aware, we have a three year cycle for the readings and we are moving into Year C; our Gospel readings will be from Luke. The majority of our readings have been from Mark, the shortest of the four Evangelists so the year was “filled in” with readings from the other Gospels, but principally from John.
This year, while there are special feasts and other liturgical requirements, our readings will come principally from Luke, which begins with a preface addressed to Theophilus. While we don’t know who, if anyone, Theophilus actually was, the name means “Lover of God” – perhaps that means that all of us should pay close attention to the readings this year.
Our liturgical year is made up of six seasons:
Advent – when we wait and prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth
Christmas – when we recall the Nativity of Jesus Christ and his Epiphany to the world
Lent – forty days of penance and preparation for Easter Sacred Paschal Triduum – the holiest three days" of the Church year, when Christians recall the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus
Easter - 50 days of joyful celebration of the Lord's resurrection from the dead, followed by his sending the Holy Spirit on Pentecost
Ordinary Time – divided into two sections, the first is 4-8 weeks from Christmas until the beginning of Lent and the second lasting about six months from Pentecost until the beginning of Advent. This is the time when the faithful consider the fullness of Jesus' teachings and works among his people.
So even though this Catholic New Year starts off without fireworks and countdowns, there’s no reason you can’t make a few resolutions for the liturgical year ahead. Here are some things you might consider for your interior life in the New Year
Head to confession
What a better way to celebrate a new year than with a clean soul? The St. Rose parish reconciliation service is December 9.Take time for daily reflection
Advent is the first part of our new year and we are invited to pause, despite the holiday rush, and spend time in reflection. Resolve to not give into the hustle and bustle of the upcoming holidays and simply abide with the Lord in this time, preparing your heart to receive him.Give generously
Regardless of what your gifts and talents are, there is a way to share them (and your time!) with your community and the world. Spend time researching the options out there and commit to one during this new year!
So at the opening of this new liturgical year, let’s ask how we can truly be the ‘Theophilus’ that Luke is writing to.
-Deacon Ed Herrera