Wine to gladden their hearts… a reminder on New Year’s Eve

As we approach New Year’s Eve, it is important to remember a few things, especially when it deals with drinking.

Firstly tomorrow is a Holy Day of Obligation, go to Mass!

Secondly:

It is customary for people to go out and drink, be merry, eat, and visit with friends and families on New Years Eve. It’s part of our culture, nothing wrong with that. To go out and become drunk purposefully though is a sin. Psalms 104:15, states that “wine gladdens the heart.” Indeed it does. Alcohol like everything else God made is good. 1 Timothy 4:4 states: “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected when received with thanksgiving.” Did you notice that stipulation? We can drink alcohol and enjoy it, but we are to do so with thanksgiving to God for the good of it.

Ephesians 5:18 states: “And do not get drunk on wine…” The Church teaches that the mind is one of the most important things. With the mind, we are able to exercise right judgement, choose right from wrong, and exercise our “gift from God” that is, our free will and conscience.

Thus, to purposefully go out and get drunk is sinful, in some instances it is mortal. If you are drinking and notice that, whew I think I had a little too much and you’re getting tipsy, stop. It is not a sin to misjudge what you thought you could drink. To actually drink with the intent of getting drunk though, is. Proverbs 20:1 states that “none of who are intoxicated by them (wine) are wise.”

To willingly lose control of our mind, to something meant as a good, means that it turns sinful. (Remember, there are stipulations to things? For instance sex is good, but going out and having sex with every person you meet is not.)

So, please if you are going to drink tonight, do so with full conscience and full control of your mind and actions. When you think you have had enough, you have had enough. Give glory to God for the good things he has bestowed upon you, be merry, but don’t be gluttonous or sinful.

Have a blessed New Year, be safe, and don’t forget to go to Mass!