by Fr. James Tarantino
As we begin another new year, it is once again an opportunity to reassess our daily lives in the context of our faith.
Traditionally, many people make New Year resolutions that fall off the table of life within a matter of days or weeks.
It is too easy to make promises to one's self, good as they might be, and then quickly give in to the old habits.
As the old saying goes, the way to _ _ _ _ is paved with good intentions. Well, a health body, mind and soul will never
happen without determination and help from others - especially from God.
Scripture tells us that God has so much love for us that He sent His only Son to show us a better way of what it
means to be fully human and fully alive. Constantly giving into the weakest side of our nature creates a kind of
unnoticed starvation that truly affects not only the mind and body but the soul as well. The over-stimulation of
the senses can create a self-manipulation that cheats a person into thinking that health and happiness can be found
in excessive consumerism. While good for the economy, too much emphasis on external stimuli strangles the heart and
dulls the human spirit. It is true that many people experience a surge in generosity and giving during the Christmas
and New Year season. Sadly, such sentiments do not last long for most people as the month of January progresses.
As the "first" roles by, the not so tempered reality of daily life and its usual challenges re-entrenches itself and
the "norm" of life retakes its hold. What can a thinking and reflective person do to make this year different?
