Happy New Year

You look much younger than your age is always welcomed and gives joy to those hearing these words, be they elderly or young. So begins an article in a diocesan bulletin preparing for the New Year by a college professor.
 
Many are those who work diligently to look just one year younger. Basic is to take care of the skin; trying to keep the face—wrinkle free. Consequently, the use of all kinds of lotions and programs to achieve this.
 
He doesn't exempt himself from the efforts for he has used face creams, face packs to keep the wrinkles away. Watching TV has shown him the ways. However, there is a time that what worked at a younger age ceases to be effective. External methods are of no avail.
 
He began to look at the faces of those who uniquely stand out as looking much younger than their age. They were not using creams, toners and the like but their facial expressions were the secret for their youthful looking faces. Even faces with wrinkles when they laughed they looked much younger. And the opposite was true with those who had little facial expressions or looked angry.
 
In Korea there is the expression:一笑一少一怒一老 meaning the moment you smile, you become younger and the moment you anger, you become older. The professor finally understands what was being said with this well know the phrase.
 
We are beginning a New Year and he hopes that we will take these words to heart and make this new year one of much laughter. He mentions the words of  Pope Francis in his exhortation: Exultate and Gaudete (Rejoice and be Glad).
 
St. Paul in 2nd Corinthians 4:16 tells us:"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day."  Our bodies are getting older and there is little we can do about it but there is no reason why the spirit should grow old. Happy New Year!