Written by Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

“Let us begin again, for until now we have done nothing.” St. Francis said these words after decades of service to God’s people with his Brothers. He knew that conversion was not just a moment, but a daily act, a journey of a lifetime. So we always begin anew. The church celebrated its new year in the beginning of Advent. The secular world celebrates its new year this week at the beginning of January. It’s a time when we stop for a moment and take stock of where we are and where we hope to be, what we’ve done and what we hope to do.  

I like to give myself a moment to contemplate these questions, even if it’s just over a nice cappuccino. That moment to stop and breathe allows me to evaluate these annual questions. While I don’t intend to take on the vow of poverty, like Francis did, I do hope to make new beginnings each day, considering deeply how I am serving God.

Take some time to reflect on this past year. There are joys and there are sorrows. Both need space in our reflection. We might be mourning the death of a loved one. Maybe you are celebrating a new baby in your family. Some are far from home. We might be suffering from illness or estrangement. Was there a happy event like a wedding this year to look back on? Some are lonely, struggling financially, or in conflict with another. Some hurt because of the great pain, need, and violence in our nation and world. Many celebrate good times with family and friends. There is much to fill our reflection on the year gone by.

Psalm 40:1, 10-11 tells us, “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry - I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation. Do not, O Lord, withhold your mercy from me; let your steadfast love and your faithfulness keep me safe forever.”And so we come to a new year with our own questions about how we might reflect that steadfast love and faithfulness. What spiritual discipline would you like to incorporate into your life? Or is there one you want to continue from last year that has been good for your faith development? Is there some way that you want to make this year different from last? What ways can you improve your prayer life this year? How can you give to others in a new way?  

May God bless you in this new year. Let us begin again.

Blessed Angela: “Strive for an increasingly more perfect union with Jesus.”