Reflect
We may have opened new calendars this week, but the heaviness of the last year still hangs overhead. No ball drop or fresh planner could take away the baggage we piled onto our minds and hearts throughout 2020, new heartbreaks and hardships arising seemingly every month. Whether we can admit it or not, I suspect we all eagerly anticipated the close of that year and the start of a new one, at least a little bit. Now, at long last, here we are...and it does not feel all that different, does it?
But, sister, here is the good news: it is different. Not just because it’s now 2021, but because in Christ, all things are made new. He pours out new mercies—not every year, but every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Whether it is January 3rd or the middle of summer or the day after Christmas, He is present and He is ready to renew our hearts and minds.
Let’s let Him in. Let’s make Jesus the Lord of our year, no matter what it may hold.
This week, we begin our annual Prayer Pledge by reflecting on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. Stepping into this new year, I desire few things more deeply than joy—heart-filling, head thrown back in laughter, completely in-the-moment joy. I crave the healing, the restoration, and the renewal that the Holy Spirit brings through it. May Our Lady lead us by example and guide us with her intercession!
Let Us Pray
Lord, Your presence brings light. May Your light flood our souls, our hearts, and our minds this month and year as we contemplate the fruits of the Mysteries of the Rosary. May Your light shine through us and help others to see that You are the Way. Amen.
For Discussion
Do you feel joyful at the turn of this new year? Do you feel hopeful?
In what areas of your life do you need the light of Christ to shine? Ask Jesus to bring the light of His love, to light up all the dark and lonely corners, and to help you see His Face.
Praying the Rosary
Throughout the Prayer Pledge and beyond, we really encourage you to pray the Rosary! Since we will be looking at the fruits of the Mysteries of the Rosary, it only makes sense to actually pray it!
Here is a guide on how to pray the Rosary.
I like this podcast and this podcast for praying the Rosary.
Hallow also has a marvelous Rosary meditation.
And if you want to go even deeper in to the Rosary, check out Mystery!
By Their Fruits: The 2021 Prayer Pledge // Day 3 #BISblog #prayerpledge //Click to tweet
Lisa Kirk is a regular contributor to the BIS blog. New York City-born and internationally raised, she now lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her study-abroad-crush-turned-husband and their two children. A former wedding magazine editor and fashion copywriter, she now writes primarily for Something Pretty, the Catholic living and classic style blog she began in 2010. She loves learning about the Saints, wandering the city with coffee in hand, and making new friends on Instagram. Read all of Lisa's posts here.
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