Finding larger purpose in New Year's resolutions
Every year, the cries of the Earth and cries of the poor grow louder and louder, and every year, as citizens of this global community, we are all called to respond to these cries. For School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND), this response is guided by the goals of Laudato Si’, a 2015 encyclical letter by Pope Francis to act against the climate and ecological crisis of our time.
This can feel like an overwhelming task at times – when the challenges seem so daunting and our ability to make a positive impact comparatively small. But when united in this effort, we can make a difference!
“When I feel my energy and spirit lagging in the face of all there is to urgently do, I rely on spiritual reading and viewing to bring me back to our goals,” says Sister Maxine Pohlman. “At the beginning of 2025, in addition to our more typical resolutions, a ‘spiritual New Year's resolution’ could include reading or viewing one or more of the offerings below and using that motivation to find actionable ways to incorporate positive change in our lives, for our planet. Each one is an inspiration and education and may just be what is needed as a motivator to continue in caring for our common home.”
For spiritual reading:
- Come, Have Breakfast: Meditations on God and the Earth by Elizabeth Johnson. Johnson uses these simple, inviting words of Jesus, “Come, have breakfast,” as a springboard to discuss the hospitality of God who desires nourishment for all beings. Each meditation is a treasure, inspiring action on behalf of the community of life. You can also watch the video interview with Johnson and publisher, Robert Ellsberg.
- The Great Search: Turning to Earth and Soul in the Quest for Healing and Home by John Philip Newell. In his newest book, Newell invites us to listen to nine prophetic figures addressing the spiritual yearnings of today when the very future of humanity's relationship with Earth is imperiled. He draws on nine spiritual giants whose voices from the past still speak relevantly today.
- The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer. In her newest book, Kimmerer draws on Indigenous wisdom to ground readers in values and actions that take Earth as an example for enacting a “gift economy” which speaks to the consumerism harming our planet. You could also listen to the author reading a segment of her book.
For spiritual viewing:
- “The Age of Nature” is a three-episode PBS series drawing examples from world cultures that have embraced new ways of approaching nature to restore healing. This is a very hopeful series that may inspire your living of the goals!
- “Our Living World” is a four-episode Netflix series artfully showing how every creature, big and small, is connected to nature's vast network of life. It also addresses climate change as well as a road to recovery.
- “We’re All Plastic People Now” is a 56-minute exploration of the impact of plastic on the health of humans and the planet as a whole. Here you will find abundant motivation to rid your life of plastic as much as possible!
If you find yourself inspired by these resources, we encourage you to keep going! Perhaps pledge to cut down on purchases of single use and plastic items, use the cold winter months to plan a springtime vegetable or flower garden (all the better if you can add native plants for pollinators), ramp up your recycling efforts and commit to adding meatless menus to your weekly rotation (a few favorite recipes are linked below).
May your new year be filled with enthusiasm for the sacred work of caring for our common home!