On this last day of the civil year 2024, many people sing the Scottish-origin song “Auld Lang Syne.” And what does that mean? Literally, “Old Long Since,” or less literally “for old time’s sake,” with the first words, “Should old acquaintance be forgotten and never brought to mind?,” a rhetorical question that calls to consider the past and not forget it. What’s past is prologue, as William Shakespeare wrote, and our experiences of the past year, both good and bad, are now woven into the fabric of our being.

Today’s photo could be called “Decembers Long Past,” since we have not seen rain or snow for some time, but we keep hoping and praying that is will eventually come to pass. The great but dry Southwest is much in need of moisture in any form, and hope springs eternal.

We are still celebrating the Christmas mystery, even tomorrow, January 1st, which is dedicated to Mary the Mother of God. In fact the Christmas season extends to the Epiphany of the Lord on January 5th, and only ends with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord on January 12th. On January 13th we return to “Ordinary Time” once again, until Ash Wednesday on March 5th.

Until then, a blessed and Happy New Year 2025 to all!

Abbot Christian and the monks