# The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly – 2017: Pray, Pray, and Pray Again
*2016-12-30*

> Bill Young reviews the highs, lows, and mishaps of 2016, shares a Te Deum prayer to close the year, and looks forward to a 2017 centered on prayer.

## A Year in Review

We’ve had a lot of good in 2016, some bad, and even a few ugly moments. The year reminded us that none of us live forever—famous actors, athletes, and beloved public figures passed away, including a beloved actress known for playing Princess Leia. We also mourned the loss of a baseball player in Miami and many others. While we grieve, we also celebrate the blessings that came our way.

## The Te Deum Prayer

To close the year, I offered the ancient hymn Te Deum, traditionally sung at the end of divine offices. It begins:

“Praise be to you, O God, we acclaim you as the everlasting Lord. All the world bows before you; the angels sing your praise, and the hosts of heaven join in an unending song. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God of hosts. The heavens and the earth are filled with your majesty and glory…

…Christ, King of glory, Son of the eternal Father, who humbled himself to be born of the Virgin, overcame death, and now reigns at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in judgment. By his precious blood he redeemed his people. Grant us, we implore, a place in eternal glory. Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance, that we may be upheld forever.”

The prayer concludes with a plea for mercy, trust, and hope in the Lord.

## Personal Highlights of 2016

On a personal note, 2016 was promising. I had the privilege of traveling to Rome and attending the canonization Mass of Mother Teresa, now Saint Teresa of Calcutta. I also visited the church where St. Francis of Assisi founded the Franciscans—a beautiful “church within a church”—and saw the shrine of St. Claire. Those moments felt like heaven and earth united.

The year wasn’t without its setbacks: I slipped and sprained my wrist, which lingered for months. And in Florence, I overindulged at a winery—my personal “ugly” moment.

## Looking Ahead to 2017

My hope for 2017 is simple: pray, pray, and pray again. We never know when our time on earth will end; the day could be today, tomorrow, or far off. By making prayer our constant companion, we prepare ourselves for whatever comes.

## Closing Thoughts

May 2017 bring us more good than bad, and may we meet the challenges with prayerful hearts. Happy New Year, and may God’s mercy be with us all.

*Let prayer be the constant thread that weaves through the good, the bad, and the ugly of each year.*