Eight New Year's "Resolutions" from Padre Pio.
May the Lord grant a blessed 2024 to you. These resolutions are taken from the booklet "Buona Giornata," (Have a Good Day), which is
a compilation of daily meditations and observations from St. Pio's
writings and comments, published by his Friary in San Giovanni Rotondo.
Here are his thoughts - exhortations - admonitions for Dec. 31 thru Jan 7.
1. The palm of glory is reserved only for those who fight valiantly to
the end. Therefore, let us begin our holy battle this year. God will
help us and crown us with eternal triumph.
2. We are by Divine Grace at the dawn of a new year. Since only God
knows whether we will finish this year, we should spend it in reparation
for the past, and in preparation for the future. Good works go hand in
hand with good intentions.
3. Let us say to ourselves, with the full conviction of telling the
truth, "My soul: begin today to do the good works which to date you have
not done." Let us be moved by the presence of God. "God sees me," let
us often say to ourselves, "and by my actions will He judge me." Let
us be sure the He will always see only goodness in us.
4. If you have time, do not wait for time. Let us not put off until
tomorrow what we can do today. The graves are full of good intentions
that never came to pass. Besides, what assurance do we have that we
will be alive tomorrow? Let us listen to the voice of our conscience,
as said the royal prophet: "Today, if you hear the voice of the Lord, do
not turn a deaf ear." Let us come forth and treasure the fleeting
moment which alone is ours. Let us not waste time, from one moment to
another, because the latter is not yet ours.
5. When you waste time, you disdain God's gift - the present - which
He, in His infinite goodness, relinquishes to your love and to your
generosity.
6. "Let us begin today, my brothers, to do good because until now we
have done nothing." These words, which the Seraphic Father, St.
Francis, In his humility, applied to himself, should be made ours at the
beginning of the new year. We have lived thoughtlessly, as if the
Eternal Judge were not going to call us to Him one day and ask us to
account for our works, for how we have spent our time.
7. Love does not brook being delayed, and the Magi, immediately upon
arrival, did everything in their power to make known Him, Who had
conquered their hearts through an influx of grace. He filled them with
the kind of charity which must overflow, because it cannot be contained
in the small structure of the heart, and must therefore be communicated.
8. In your actions, seek neither the most nor the least merit, but rather the greatest honor and glory for God.
View my Padre Pio books.
So inspiring, at this dawn of 2024. Just what I needed to hear today! Thank you, Blessed Pio.
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