New Year's Homily

Last night my family attended Mass together to celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Our pastor's homily has stuck with me. From the readings, he proposed some simple things for us to keep in view for the new year:

1. Bless people, especially those who present you with difficulties
2. Appreciate and live out the freedoms we have, especially the freedom to pray and to worship
3. Ponder the mystery of Christ present in your life

It isn't uncommon for me to poo-poo homilies that aren't exactly profound theological meditations. But I realize that living the gospel is far more valuable than pontificating upon it or being intellectually dazzled. The dazzle part comes in living it!