New Year’s Resolutions plus one month

It has been a little over a month since New Year’s Day: a little over a month since many of us began our resolutions for the New Year.

Some of us have already failed in these resolutions.

Some of us may not have even made any resolutions: despairing of self-improvement and/or distracted by the economic and financial worries of these days.

No matter where we stand with our resolutions, today’s first reading (Hebrews 12:1-4), invoking the great Communion of Saints, calls us to move forward now:

Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us
and persevere in running the race that lies before us
while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus,
the leader and perfecter of faith.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, be merciful to me - a sinner.