In the USA the civil year ends with excessive revelry and the new year begins with resolutions (not to engage in such revelry again?) The Church’s year (which ends today and a New Year begins tomorrow with the First Sunday of Advent) is not marked by such a dramatic transition. However, the Scripture does suggest certain behaviors as appropriate to the season. “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy.” Jesus is warning us of the dangers of falling into a rut, of failing to grow in the spiritual life. When we are doing pretty good, we get lulled into a certain complacency. Human beings do not thrive when we are stagnant but only when we are growing in grace, in joy, in love.
