Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church

1948 The Alameda
San Jose, CA 95126

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Pastor's Page for January, 2005

Pastor John L. Freesemann

As is usual, people have been asking what my new year's resolutions are. And, as is also usual, I have not made any. They seem so trite, so contrived, and so breakable because they have no meaning. Dr. Phil wants to talk to you about them and has declared: "This is the year you will keep that resolution!" If you don't like him, I am sure that Oprah will talk to you … or Montel … or Ricki (or any number of their ilk).

Why must one wait until the start of another year to quit smoking, or to go on a diet, or to change their language, or to exercise, or to do any of the myriad of things that people resolve every New Year's Eve? Perhaps it is because we wait until this time of the year that our resolutions are broken almost before we begin to work on them.

I have begun to think, however, that the problem isn't with the resolutions and the time of the year. It is in how we approach them. I think that we should be "metanoiacal" - a reversing of direction, with effort being put forth to live life out in an entirely new manner. When speaking of resolutions, people seldom seem to be "metanoiacal."

If one is to engage in metanoia they must be ready for something more than the effort usually put into the fulfillment of a New Year's resolution. To turn life around calls for the development of new habits and the commitment that it takes to put those habits in place.

If you want a life-changing prayer life, commit yourself to praying every day - and don't stop. If you want to develop a life that utilizes time well, without being adverse to the interruptions of life, commit yourself to doing so - and don't stop. If you want to make a difference in the world, decide where you want to make a difference (peace involvement, environmental clean up, political advocacy, etc.), commit yourself to doing so, and don't stop.

If you miss a day, big deal. It doesn't mean that you broke your resolution and now you can stop. This isn't about some silly resolution; it's about turning life around! If you miss a day, begin over the next! That's how you will accomplish what it is that you really seek.

Happy New Year!
Nay!
HAPPY METANOIA!

+In Memoriam+
Shirley Chisholm
1924-2005

Recommended Radio:

KCSM	91.1 FM	Jazz
KQKE	960 AM	Air America (Political Commentary)

Recommended Movie:

Finding Neverland		Story of author James Barrie, and the writing of
		Peter Pan, the Boy Who Never Grew Up

Recommended Books:

Scarred by Struggle, Transformed by Hope by Joan Chittister

Quote of the Month:
Justice and Peace are the job of the baptized.
ELCA Bishop Mark Hanson

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