A New Years Message
"Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instil in us." These words, penned by Hal Borland (though often misattributed to St. John Paul II), capture a profound truth about life's continuous journey. As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome a new year, I find myself reflecting deeply on the path that brought me here. The past year presented its share of challenges—many that tested my faith and resilience more than others—yet I've come to recognise these moments as sacred opportunities for growth. Looking back now, I see how God's hand guided me through each difficulty, transforming obstacles into stepping stones for spiritual development. Life is indeed a series of events from which we can choose to learn and grow.
Like many of you, I faced personal trials that seemed overwhelming at the time. There were days when gratitude felt like a distant concept when finding the silver lining seemed more impossible than mindful. Yet isn't it remarkable how time shifts our perspective?
Today, I find myself drawn back to the Bible verse that inspired this blog:
Let it be to me according to your word (Luke 1:38).
These words carry deeper meaning now, after weathering this year's storms. They remind me that acceptance isn't passive resignation, but finding strength in surrender.
G.K. Chesterton beautifully captures what I believe is at the heart of our spiritual journey as we enter the new year: "The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul." Like Mary's fiat, this reminds us that true transformation comes not from external changes, but from an inner willingness to be renewed.
So as we step into 2025, we're not just turning a page on the calendar—we're opening ourselves to new possibilities, new ways to grow in faith, and new opportunities to live authentically in holiness. While we can't control life's twists and turns (trust me, I've tried, and I'm sure you have too!), we do have power over something equally important: our response to these challenges—our Fiat to God. It's in this space—between circumstance and reaction—where we find our greatest opportunity for growth and connection with God.
As I sit here on this crisp January morning, I pause to reflect. The holiday buzz has settled, making this the perfect moment to consider what lies ahead. I've been asking myself some deeply personal questions—questions I want to share with you: Where in my life am I holding back from truly trusting God? What dreams or fears am I clutching too tightly?
As we journey forward, each of us is called to grow in different ways. St. Jerome reminds us: "Begin now to be what you will be hereafter." This might mean cultivating more patience in our relationships, finding a deeper purpose in our daily work, or strengthening our faith when the path ahead seems uncertain. The beautiful thing about personal growth is that it starts with a single step—a simple 'yes' to God's invitation for transformation.
Today's Prayer
Oh my Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Take care of everything.
- From the Surrender Novena Jesus gave to Servant of God Father Don Donlindo Ruotolo
Whatever your calling, I invite you to join me in this moment of honest reflection. Let's open our hearts together and ask: Where do we need to let go and let God work? Sometimes the hardest part isn't hearing God's call—it's having the courage to say "yes" to it.
So in the words of Mother Teresa, "Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin."
Happy New Year everyone!
God bless,
Mel
