OK!
The story is told about a monk who asked his brother monk, “How are you?” Before he could make a reply, the bell rang, signaling the great silence all throughout the year. At the end of the year, when the bell rang signaling the start of talking time, the other monk hurriedly looked for his brother monk, and when he found him, said: “I’m OK.”
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Happy New Year! With faith in God’s love, and with our Mother Mary’s powerful intercession, we believe we will be OK in the coming year ahead of us! Let us not forget to have a positive outlook. And let us not forget the UPLOOK.
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In today’s Gospel (Mt. 2, 13-15. 19-23), we hear how the Lord protected Joseph, Mary and the Baby Jesus in the most difficult and most dangerous moments of their lives. The Lord was there to warn them, protect them and provide for them. So, too, will the Lord warn, protect and provide for us in this coming New Year.
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Joseph listened and obeyed the Lord. That, too, should be our attitude as we journey through life. Otherwise, we will get lost or go through unnecessary delays, and bumps, hardships and confusions along the way. Listen, obey and follow the Lord, and you will move on and go forward.
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As we journey on in 2020, let us bring along with us these lessons from Christmas: The joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the obedience of Joseph and Mary, and the openness and the availability of the Baby Jesus.
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Stay focused. This is the most basic rule in our journey. It is so easy to get distracted, and to be confused. Our journey through life and our journey to God’s heart require our full concentration and attention.
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Take note of the three P’s we’ll need in our journey through 2020. The first P is prayer. We must keep in touch and be connected with our Lord who knows and sees everything. We must continue to consult Him and listen to Him for directions.
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The second P is patience. Our journey is not a walk in the park. There will be obstructions, delays and even complete stops. Let us be patient. If we are humble and trusting in God, we can handle anything that comes our way in stride. No need to complain, to get angry, or be mad. Patience. Patience. Patience.
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The third P is perseverance. Let us not give up. Just keep moving, and keep on believing that we will reach our goal and accomplish our mission. Let us not be affected by human applause nor condemnation. In the end, it is what God thinks or says that matters.
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Praying with you that 2020 will be a better year for all of us, in all aspects, in Jesus’ name. Happy New Year!
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Think about this: “Let nothing disturb you; let nothing frighten you; all things are passing; God never changes; patience obtains all things; He who has God lacks nothing. God alone suffices” (Saint Teresa of Avila).
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A moment with the Lord: Lord, with You by our side, we will be OK all the way. Amen.
