The value of good beginnings
January 22, 2025 at 3:49 p.m.
I recently became aware of a website titled GreatOpeningLines.com, an online database of what might be considered the best opening lines in literature and significant works of journalism. The creator of this resource, a Dr. Mardy Grothe, also puts out a yearly compilation, most recently “Twenty-Four of the Best Opening Lines of 2024.”
Perusing these lists was worthwhile; I recommend it to anyone who is regularly engaged in reading books or writing compositions of all sorts. The lines cited were not only entertaining, but effective in the obvious goal of keeping the reader engaged and wanting to read more.
As someone who frequently sits in front of a computer and cogitates on the best way to begin a column or article, I can readily attest that the process is both a great opportunity and a great challenge.
But, people are not all of the same mind when it comes to beginnings. For some, the sight of a fresh composition tablet and a sharpened pencil gets our “creative juices” going. We love the idea of getting a clean slate to start again; a new calendar page to fill in with tasks and appointments; new commitments to undertake. For others, the expectations attached to a new beginning can trigger anxiety, procrastination, even paralysis of thought or action.
When it comes to the practice of our faith, the Church affords us countless opportunities to embrace a new beginning – and yes, some can be challenging. Whether it be developing our prayer life; attending daily Mass; going to Confession or joining a Bible study group, there is no shortage of steps we can take to adopt a fresh start.
As we can see in this issue of The Monitor Magazine and the content dedicated to the nascent Jubilee Year, the Church also calls us to new beginnings that go beyond our daily lives and our immediate communities. As members of this universal Church, we are called to be “Pilgrims of Hope” in this Holy Year and invited to engage in any of a host of activities and efforts that will help to bring about the real and meaningful changes traditionally sought at this special time.
Pope Francis has laid out a plan to lift up the ideals of Jubilee – to seek justice, mercy and peace through such actions as forgiving the debt of poor nations, eradicating the death penalty, diverting funds from military weapons to address hunger, and more. There is a place for all of us in these initiatives.
Likewise, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., in concert with prelates and dioceses around the world, has invited us to celebrate the Jubilee Year and build up this local Church. We hope you will explore the opportunities presented in our special Jubilee coverage. Or, of your own accord, find ways to respond to people in need – be it helping those experiencing homelessness or devastated by the apocalyptic wildfires in California, or simply praying with new resolve for the millions who are killed, injured and displaced as a result of war and violence.
Our new beginning will be as impactful and worthy as we make it. Let’s get started!
On behalf of The Monitor team, we wish all of our readers a happy new year – and a Jubilee Year – full of hope
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I recently became aware of a website titled GreatOpeningLines.com, an online database of what might be considered the best opening lines in literature and significant works of journalism. The creator of this resource, a Dr. Mardy Grothe, also puts out a yearly compilation, most recently “Twenty-Four of the Best Opening Lines of 2024.”
Perusing these lists was worthwhile; I recommend it to anyone who is regularly engaged in reading books or writing compositions of all sorts. The lines cited were not only entertaining, but effective in the obvious goal of keeping the reader engaged and wanting to read more.
As someone who frequently sits in front of a computer and cogitates on the best way to begin a column or article, I can readily attest that the process is both a great opportunity and a great challenge.
But, people are not all of the same mind when it comes to beginnings. For some, the sight of a fresh composition tablet and a sharpened pencil gets our “creative juices” going. We love the idea of getting a clean slate to start again; a new calendar page to fill in with tasks and appointments; new commitments to undertake. For others, the expectations attached to a new beginning can trigger anxiety, procrastination, even paralysis of thought or action.
When it comes to the practice of our faith, the Church affords us countless opportunities to embrace a new beginning – and yes, some can be challenging. Whether it be developing our prayer life; attending daily Mass; going to Confession or joining a Bible study group, there is no shortage of steps we can take to adopt a fresh start.
As we can see in this issue of The Monitor Magazine and the content dedicated to the nascent Jubilee Year, the Church also calls us to new beginnings that go beyond our daily lives and our immediate communities. As members of this universal Church, we are called to be “Pilgrims of Hope” in this Holy Year and invited to engage in any of a host of activities and efforts that will help to bring about the real and meaningful changes traditionally sought at this special time.
Pope Francis has laid out a plan to lift up the ideals of Jubilee – to seek justice, mercy and peace through such actions as forgiving the debt of poor nations, eradicating the death penalty, diverting funds from military weapons to address hunger, and more. There is a place for all of us in these initiatives.
Likewise, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., in concert with prelates and dioceses around the world, has invited us to celebrate the Jubilee Year and build up this local Church. We hope you will explore the opportunities presented in our special Jubilee coverage. Or, of your own accord, find ways to respond to people in need – be it helping those experiencing homelessness or devastated by the apocalyptic wildfires in California, or simply praying with new resolve for the millions who are killed, injured and displaced as a result of war and violence.
Our new beginning will be as impactful and worthy as we make it. Let’s get started!
On behalf of The Monitor team, we wish all of our readers a happy new year – and a Jubilee Year – full of hope