“Good resolutions are useless attempts to interfere with scientific laws. Their origin is pure vanity. Their result is absolutely nil. They give us, now and then, some of those luxurious sterile emotions that have a certain charm for the weak…. They are simply cheques that men draw on a bank where they have no account.” Oscar Wilde, “The Picture of Dorian Grey”
It’s that time of year for starting afresh, making a list of how we want to be different. Generally, I’m with Lord Henry, Dorian Grey’s patron (header quote), but this year I have resolved to suffer fools gladly and to pray for my enemies. Now, there are all sorts of prayers that you could make for people whom you think are bad, but I have in mind prayers for their good, stuff that will “Make the punishment fit the crime,” as the Mikado would have it.
I recall Fr. Bernard Groeschel’s prayer for Madonna, that she mend her ways and enter a cloistered nunnery. That’s the sort of thing I have in mind.
So, here’s the list–not in order of importance, but as they have occured to me:
- For commenters who shout by use of all uppercase–that their keyboard “caps lock” and “shift” keys never work (and, incidentally, that they take anger management programs until they too learn to love their enemies).
- For Fr. Antonio Spadaro, S.J., who tweeted (what an awful way to communicate purported truths!) “Theology is not #Mathematics. 2 + 2 in #Theology can make 5″, a six month course in basic arithmetic and a year course in elementary logic, to be passed with a grade of at least B+ (89%), or to be repeated.
- For all Catholic Hierarchy (you know who this will include) who maintain that humans significantly affect climate (as in anthropic global warming), a required stay from November 1 to March 1 (no trips out) in International Falls, MN . Each will be given four sets of thermal underwear and a parka. Residences will be in log cabins heated by wood stoves. (Wood will be supplied.)
- For Mark Shea–whatever Don McCleary would have.
There’s more, but that will do for now… And perhaps you, dear reader, can add some of your own.
And a blessed and happy 2018 to you all.
PS–I have some other New Year’s resolutions, but you don’t need to know what these might be.
The video is taken from the Stratford Festival Production of the Mikado, the best I have ever seen (and, as a Gilbert & Sullivan buff, I’ve seen quite a few). The actors/singers are wonderful–the Mikado is one among many–the production values are great. Here’s a link to the First Act:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbpUzCFCy_8
Enjoy!
to laugh more, to learn to sing, to learn music and to write.
P.S. God will take care of my enemies
[…] Making the Traditional Mass Your New Year’s Resolution – Brian Williams, Liturgy Guy D31 New Year’s Resolution #1: Pray for My Enemies – Bob Kurland Ph.D., The American Catholic D31 A Short New Year’s Reflection and […]
To be a little kinder particularly when commenting on blogs, especially on subjects having to do with the Catholic clergy and Pope Francis.
Resolution inspired by Aldous Huxley:
“It is a bit embarrassing to have been concerned with the human problem all one’s life and find at the end that one has no more to offer by way of advice than ‘try to be a little kinder.'”
That’s a great scene, Don (not my favorite–the Wedding Scene is). But who is supposed to be the Tsar?
Any enemy one might think of Bob. I find it much easier to love my enemies if I don’t encounter them frequently.
I find it much easier to love my enemies when I realize I don’t have to like them in order to love them.
“Resolution inspired by Aldous Huxley:
“It is a bit embarrassing to have been concerned with the human problem all one’s life and find at the end that one has no more to offer by way of advice than ‘try to be a little kinder.’””
Considering that Aldous Huxley had his Christian character hang himself at the end of Brave New World; his atheism outshining his kindness. Death bed converts are always welcome.
“I find it much easier to love my enemies when I realize I don’t have to like them in order to love them.” YES
Pray for the living and the dead, The Spiritual Works of Mercy.
From a motivational speaker years ago at a work-related conference, “Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s all small stuff.”
Christians know their true home is Heaven, not this World, this vale of tears..
The things that are not “small stuff” are sin, doubt, confusion, heresy, apostasy, etc.
As Christians, we are called, in charity, to forgive all injuries. See the Spiritual Works of Mercy.
On the other hand, I seriously need to lose weight. That’s where Lent (fasting and prayer) shines.
Don’t really do new year’s resolutions– but I mean to try to do my driving penance more often. There are some incredibly bad drivers…see if I can counter-balance folks’ day a little. 🙂
Through forgiving others we come to understand ourselves.