New Year Resolutions
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New Year resolutions are popular near the beginning and end of each year, but very few people actually dedicate themselves to following their new proposals.
Though it is difficult to change habits or incorporate new ones, there are certain things all Catholics should aspire to each and every day of their lives.
Here are 5 solid suggested resolutions for Catholics to make every single year.
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5. Educate Yourself
"Let the wise listen and learn yet more, and a person of discernment will acquire the art of guidance."
Proverbs 1:5
Educating yourself can mean you go back to school, delve deeper in The Holy Scriptures or simply doing a little research online to better understand what is happening around the world and why.Understanding the world, even its horrors, can help you understand what you need to pray for, and for some it can open the door to a ministry you didn't even know you were meant to enter.
Look for many trusted resources that can provide you the information you are searching for. Our website and the resources that are used for the material on our website are a good starting point to rediscover Catholicism.
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4. Learn to Listen
Know this, my dear brothers: everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath...
James 1: 19
Listening and patience go hand-in-hand. Learning to listen, rather than merely being present, can make a world of difference both to you and the person or people you are talking to. Note that the art of listening is not limited to the people around you. God speaks to us every day, but how many of us can say that we have the ears to listen? Listening to God can be difficult, particularly when you are in desperate need of answers. READ ABOUT PRAYER
A good way to practice listening to God is to sit in a quiet place. Ask God to help you be more open to what He has to say, and ask for the patience to actively listen to those around you.
Bonus: Putting down electronics and looking people in the eye helps you become a better listener.
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3. Be Generous
If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him? Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.
1 John 3: 17-18
This is not limited to money!
Remember, when we offer to help people pack for a move, practice for a speech, listen to their worries or feed the hungry, we are being generous and mirroring Christ's heart. VIEW STEWARDSHIP
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2. Read the Bible
Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.
Hebrews 4: 12
Understanding the Word of God is an important part of being Catholic. The Holy Scriptures are alive, meaning they can move in and through you and can bring power greater than that of a sword. The Scriptures are there so that we can learn from them and be held accountable, even for our "secret emotions and thoughts."Remember to read your Bible, participate in Bible studies and know that as you read and understand, you can catch yourself before falling into sin. With awareness comes discernment.
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1. Be more like Jesus
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8: 12
We are called to follow Christ's examples, all of which are clearly outlined in the Bible.Note that the first three things mimic attributes Jesus Christ has. In knowing about things before we speak ill of them, learning to listen, being generous and by reading God's Word, we are not only improving our relationship with God, we are also improving our relationship with others.
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