New Beginnings

We have arrived at the beginning of a New Year, 2013!!! People are always asking, "Where does the time go?" It seems like time is moving faster and faster. These new beginnings give us a wonderful opportunity to look at our lives and see what we need to do better. Many people make New Year's resolutions, but how far do we get with those? The Church provides us with many opportunities to begin again, especially with the Liturgical seasons. We have concluded the Advent season, which is like a mini-Lent, preparing us for the birth of Our Lord. Now, we are in Christmas Time, rejoicing at the coming of the newborn King. In over a month, we will begin the Season of Lent, since Easter is early this year. As we mark these new beginnings, we know that we are not alone. How appropriate to begin the New Year by celebrating the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. We know that the mother of God's only Son is also our mother as well. She watches over us with her maternal hand, love, and prayers. We also have the communion of saints that we can turn to for assistance. Ultimately, we have the grace of God to help us in all things. Yes, new beginnings afford us a wonderful opportunity to begin again and when we fall short, we know that we can pick ourselves up again and resolve to move forward with a renewed effort. May God bless us as we begin this New Year of 2013. Mary, the Holy Mother of God, Pray for Us!!!