Happy New Year! This time of year has a two part focus for many of us. One side of it, we tend to look back at 2023, at all that has happened in our world, or in our families, people who have passed away in the last year or children that were born, if there was a job change, etc. etc. All these events can remind us of the passing of time. I know for myself, things that happened early in the year almost feel like they were more than a year ago. I know you can find many different ‘A Year in Review’ this time of year. Sadly, a new war started in 2023. So many memories can come from reviewing the past year. But it can be good to sit down and spend some time reviewing our own lives for the past year. What are those first things that come to your mind that happened in 2023? I hope some were happy but know some will be sad.

The other side of it is to look forward to 2024. Any couple who is pregnant will be looking forward to the birth of their child. If there is a wedding, graduation, or college search in your family, I am sure there is a lot to look forward to and plan for. I look forward to 17 years of ordination and 10 of which will have been here at St Luke’s. We all know there were things that happened this last year that were unexpected and were a surprise. We know 2024 will likely bring its own surprises. All we can do is ponder what they may be. I try not to worry about what 2024 will bring, but I do pray that it will be good.

The other thing that comes up at this time of year is ‘New Years Resolutions’. Have you made any? I am not sure about how some people approach new years resolutions. Some can approach it as I am giving this up for New Years and go all out until December 31st. Or after the first fall, wait until next new year to try again. If it is something you should be giving up, just give it up. If you have a fall start again. Too many will tie it into the January 1st date. This also goes if we are trying to pick up something new. The gyms get busy in January, less in February, even less in March. Why can’t we just start that good habit and if we miss a day, just get right back to it?

January 1st, in the church, is the feast of Mary Mother of God. There will be a Mass Sunday night at 6:00pm and one at 9:00am Monday morning. For me, it has one more meaning, I was Baptized on January 1st. It makes it easy to remember your baptism date. As we start a new year, whether you have new years resolutions or not, whether you stay up until midnight or are in bed by 9:00pm (like me). I pray we will all start out the new year on the right foot. I pray the Lord will Bless us all in 2024. May 2024 bring an end to all hatred and war.

May the light of Christ shine for all to see. May we all experience healing and good health. I pray 2024 is a great year for all of us. Blessings and prayers.

Fr. Backer