Discovering the path to holiness may seem like a daunting journey, but Pope John XXIII, also known as “Good Pope John,” left behind a treasure trove of wisdom to guide us. His morning resolutions, as detailed in his journal, offer practical strategies to help us on our quest for holiness.
In ‘The Journal of a Soul’ by Pope John XXIII, you will only know Pope John XXIII as the Pope who convened the Second Vatican Council and was loved for his warm personality. However, delving into his journal revealed much more about his spirituality and his pursuit of perfection.
In his journal, Pope John XXIII poured his heart out, expressing his desire for spiritual growth from his early days as a seminarian to his papacy. Like all saints, he focused on the present moment, never fretting about the future. Instead, he embraced each day with tranquillity and acceptance, trusting God’s providence.
Pope John XXIII crafted two essential tools to aid him in this endeavour. First, he established personal resolutions and rules for living, which he regularly reviewed during his retreats. These guidelines, recorded in his journal, served as a compass for his daily life. Second, he formulated 10 daily resolutions known as the “Daily Decalogue.” He would recite these principles each morning, guiding his actions and attitudes throughout the day.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, at a memorial Mass for Pope John XXIII, shared these daily resolutions with the faithful, emphasizing their practicality and efficacy in fostering holiness.
Pope John XXIII’s morning resolutions offer us a blueprint for sanctity. By focusing on the present moment and relying on God’s grace, we can cultivate virtuous habits that lead us closer to God. Let us embrace the simplicity and beauty of these resolutions, trusting that each faithful step brings us nearer to our ultimate goal of union with the God.
Here are the 10 daily Decalogue of Pope John XXIII:
1. Only for today, I will seek to live the livelong day positively without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once.
2. Only for today, I will take the greatest care of my appearance. I will dress modestly; I will not raise my voice; I will be courteous in my behaviour; I will not criticize anyone; I will not claim to improve or to discipline anyone except myself.
3. Only for today, I will be happy in the certainty that I was created to be happy, not only in the other world but also in this one.
4. Only for today, I will adapt to circumstances, without requiring all circumstances to be adapted to my own wishes.
5. Only for today, I will devote 10 minutes of my time to some good reading, remembering that just as food is necessary to the life of the body, so good reading is necessary to the life of the soul.
6. Only for today, I will do one good deed and not tell anyone about it.
7. Only for today, I will do at least one thing I do not like doing — and if my feelings are hurt, I will make sure that no one notices.
8. Only for today, I will make a plan for myself. I may not follow it to the letter, but I will make it. And I will be on guard against two evils: hastiness and indecision.
9. Only for today, I will firmly believe, despite appearances, that the good Providence of God cares for me as no one else who exists in this world.
10. Only for today, I will have no fears. In particular, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe in goodness. Indeed, for 12 hours I can certainly do what might cause me consternation were I to believe I had to do it all my life.
Source: NCR
