It is at this time of year that hearts and minds turn to resolutions. Resolutions need a commitment, and a commitment needs a good start.
The church gave us just that good start on Christmas Eve by kicking off the Jubilee year 2025.
On Sunday, December 29th, I will attend confession at, go to Mass at, pray for the intentions of the Holy Father at, and resolve with all my being, to be free from all sin and any attachment to sin while at, Saint John the Evangelist Catholic church in Warrenton, VA. In doing so, I will receive the greatest Christmas gift anyone could conceive or fathom- a Plenary Indulgence.
Today is the feast of Saint John the Evangelist, the beloved disciple, the inspired writer of 5 treasured Biblical books. His image will be before my eyes and his inspired love in my heart as I am washed clean and made ready for heaven.
A Plenary Indulgence is the full remittance of all sin and punishment. Were I blessed enough to be called to judgement at that moment, I would bypass purgatory and go straight to heaven. At that moment, all past suffering would be as a vapor.
2 days later, I will start the year by going to mass on the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God on the day Jesus received His name- January 1st. I will finish the day by watching her team smash the Georgia Bulldogs.
Then, on the 3rd, 4th and 5th, the journey continues with First Friday and First Saturday Devotions (that I will complete in September and May respectively) before Mass on the 5th and 12th to complete the Christmas season.
Getting 2024 finished right.
Getting 2025 started right.
Something we all need.
Something we all can do.
PRAYER FOR THE HOLY YEAR 2025
Father in heaven,
may the faith you have given us
in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
reawaken in us the blessed hope
for the coming of your Kingdom.
May your grace transform us
into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a
new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer
throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever.
Amen.
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