Openness, generosity and courage, three qualities St Ignatius of Loyola urges people to have as they undertake the Spiritual Exercises. Three qualities that will help us face into the New Year.
Every new beginning entails a risk and the possibility of change. Not all of us welcome risk or change; we may be fearful or lazy, reluctant to leave our comfort zone. But, we are invited to open ourselves to the gifts and graces – and they are without number – that each day holds for us as we cross the threshold of this New Year. Our hope is not in ourselves, much less in the structures of society. We rest in the Lord, hidden and unseen, fortified by His strength. With a confidence born of faith we know that no matter what dangers we will face, what anguish awaits us, He will be there at our side. 'Even though I walk in a dark valley I fear no evil, for you are with me' (Ps 23).
'Same ole' story, same ole' script'. Not so, not for those who look for the Lord. Over and again we experience the vibrancy, the life that resonates in His word. 'The favours of the Lord are not exhausted, His mercies are not spent; they are renewed every morning so great is His faithfulness' (Lamentations 3: 22). Every morning, as sure as the sun rises. All there for us if we believe.
We may not be able to shake off the burdens of recent years, like a dog shakes off water after a plunge in the river, but we can choose not to be controlled by them. However insurmountable the obstacles seem, however wretched our lives, however great the injustices we endure, let us not lose the vision, however dim it may be that reaches beyond the finiteness of this present time. God gives us strength, His own strength, as He walks with us in the dark valley. More than that He has plans for us. 'I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe, plans to give you a future full of hope' (Jer 29:11).
God's generosity is not dampened by our meagre response, our self-centeredness, our sins. But we will find our hearts enlarged, our hope rekindled and our faith grown strong the more generous we are in return. And the generosity God looks for is our willingness to care for others, to share their burdens. We will not lack opportunities.
Openness, generosity and courage - a fitting programme for a New Year. May it be so for you.
Sister Redempta Twomey is a Columban Sister living in Ireland.