Deacon’s Corner

I remember as a kid, back in the days when we actually had real newspapers delivered to our house, I always looked forward to the Sunday editions… especially around Christmas time when they were stuffed with ads. I scoured the ads looking at and dreaming about all the toys and gadgets that I hoped to find under the tree on Christmas morning. After Christmas, when I had some Christmas money to spend, I remember the ads all featured “White Sales.” All I saw were sheets, towels and kitchen stuff – BORING! Where were all of the toys and the cool stuff that I wanted to buy?

In January, stores redirect their marketing from merchandise that is often a luxury and given as gifts to products that are more essential for the home. As a new year begins, the marketers understand that adults often want to replace and refresh things around the house that may be soiled and worn… an opportunity for renewal.

Now, I am not much for New Year’s resolutions and rarely make them, but perhaps the New Year is an opportunity for us to refresh and renew as well. To look inward for things in our lives that could use a little “sprucing up.” Are we setting time aside for prayer every day? Are we making Mass attendance a priority? How are our relationships with others? Do we have someone we need to forgive, or ask for forgiveness?

Remember, God’s “white sale” prices are always in effect: 24/7, 365 days a year. His gift of love and mercy is always free.

May your 2024 be filled with love and blessings,

Deacon Mike