December 29, St. Thomas Becket

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!-- Psalm 96:11

Mass readings:1 John 2:3-11 / Luke 2:22-35

Making Decisions, Big and Small

Sometimes the decisions facing us are so ordinary -- just part of our usual routine -- we hardly think about them. At other times, a single choice can make a significant impact on our future. That was the case with St. Thomas Becket (1118-1170). He made a decision about his relationship with England's Henry II -- opposing the king's efforts to bring the Church there under the control of the crown -- and it cost him his life.

It's obvious a decision like that required prudence, wisdom, and prayer. On the other hand, from time to time it's good to look more closely at our ''routine'' decisions, too. It's oh-so easy for bad choices, and bad habits, to become the norm for us.

Prayer: Lord, help me always choose what's best for me: You.