Diversity is an undeniable fact about humanity. Diversity exists in gender, age, culture, religion, social and economic class, and a host of other things that make one person’s life different from that of another. Looking at how there are so many differences that exist among individuals and cultures in the world, one might conclude that there cannot be any unifying factor that connects everyone.

Although it might seem that way, in fact, all people no matter what age or ethnicity do share at least this thing in common—everyone is endowed with a conscience.

As I write this reflection, we are in the early days of the new year. So I would not be far off to assume that many of us are in the middle of carrying out our new year resolutions—that is, if we chose to make them. The occasion of a brand new year has always been a popular and suitable opportunity to make some changes in our lives for the better—perhaps putting more effort and commitment into work, relationships, or personal projects than what was seen from us in the past. 

As a priest who listens to confession on a weekly basis, I am keen around this time of year to incorporate the notion of new year resolutions into the little advice that I give to those who come to me in the sacrament of reconciliation.