The end of a year has become a time to reflect on both the best and worst of what has become culturally popular. You will also see the simple goodness of many who, aware or not, have placed the past year under the Lord's dominion because all time belongs to him.

One of the reasons for looking back is that you may need to heal something in the past so that you are not held down by it now and into the future.

I would like to suggest, first, one resolution for 2012 and then a prayer about making a resolution.

"I firmly resolve (commitment), with the help of your grace (you need help), to confess my sins (name them), to do penance (fix what can be fixed), and to amend my life (change).

"Almighty Father, with your grace, give me the strength to choose to solve just one problem in my life this year. Give me the honesty to face that one issue, that one relationship, that one memory, that one sin, that one illness, that one vice, that one habit, that sits there watching and chipping away at my strength, because I know deep down that this is what is keeping me down, year after year, from having a happy new year. Is this going to be a year of the Lord, or a year of me?"

After the shepherds shared the message they had heard about the child, the Gospel says, "And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart."

All these things, were about her son, Jesus, who he is and what he will do — and that her heart would be filled with sorrows, the kind of sorrow only a mother and father could understand.

Reflecting on something in your heart takes time and patience. Patient reflecting, or pondering, means that sometimes you won't have all the answers — you won't always understand what is going on, or, more significantly, perhaps, why it is happening.

You all have your own mysteries of God to ponder; your own sorrows to absorb; your own hopes and joys to nourish for your own self, your children, others. These are opportunities to receive God's graceful help.

I think that Mary offers us a lens, a way of seeing everything with the eyes of faith. Mary said yes to God, let it be done to me, and she asked, humbly, how do you expect me to do this? Help me. God is with you in every detail of your life. You have the angel's assurance, given to Mary, to Joseph, to the shepherds and to others, do not be afraid.

Remember this prayer:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence I fly unto thee, O virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.

I hope and pray that the new year 2012 will bring you what you need from God.

I also hope and pray, that, whatever happens in your life in this new year, it will bring the best of God out of you.