Homily for the New Year - Canon Pat Browne

Jan 1st, 2015

Parish priest Canon Pat Browne gave the following homily at the start of the new year this morning, at Holy Apostles Church, Pimlico, central London. (The Mass began at midnight, at the same time as the fireworks display on the River Thames nearby.)

As we see the departing skirts of the old year make their exit we look back on the previous 12 months with a whole stew of emotions. Gratitude for gifts received; New friendships born, or old ones strengthened. Mountains climbed and achievements celebrated. Fears not realised.

Or just gratitude for the gift of life, health, family, friends, faith.

But for some, in that stew there will be relief that a year of turmoil has passed; They have known bereavement - the loss of some one special -through death, divorce, ill health or rejection. The loss of a job, a career, a reputation, their savings. Some will recall huge mistakes made and sins committed.

And so, as we reflect on these things from the old year, some will mourn the parting guest who has been good to them.
Others will be glad to show her the door and welcome the one newly arrived.

It's a new start for all of us.

Can I suggest one thing to do to get the most out of 2015! Try and live the year one day at a time. As if this day was your last. Live the moment and get the most out of it.

Most of us don't do that. We worry or fret about the past or we get all uptight and anxious about the future. And you know neither of them is real. The past is gone. The future has not come. What is real is the now. Live it mindfully. Be present to it. When we live the NOW well we best serve God and get the most out of life. Theologans call it the sacrament of the present moment.

We do not walk into this New Year alone. God walks with us and there is nowhere in it that we will have to stand, where we will be alone. In times of joy and gladness we will turn to Him as our companion and look him in the eye with gratitude in our heart. In times that are challenging we will clutch his hand even tighter and go forward with confidence even if, with some fear.

St Thomas More had a lovely prayer.

Thank you dear Jesus for all you have given me, for all you have taken away from me, for all you have left me.

May God give us the Graces we will need for this year ahead.

And may the dream He has in his heart for each one of you in this year 2015 come to fruition in each one of your lives.

God Bless You and Happy New Year.