New Hope

"When I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers" (Ephesians 1:15-16). May these words of St. Paul the Apostle from his Letter to the Ephesians become an inspiration for us throughout the New Year 2025.   

We stand at the threshold of a new chapter, full of hope and plans. Perhaps we want to take care of our health, develop our passions, travel. All this is important, but as Christians, we should first of all take care of our inner growth. St. Paul points out to us three key areas: faith, love and prayer.

First, let us deepen our faith. Just as a plant needs sun and water to flourish, so our soul needs the nourishment of the Word of God. Daily reading of the Holy Scriptures, listening to it in audio version, a moment of pause and meditation on its content - all this helps us to get closer to Christ and build a living relationship with Him. Let us ask ourselves: Who is He to me? Do I treat Him as a Friend with whom I want to share every day? Do I meet Him regularly in the sacraments, especially in the Eucharist and Reconciliation?

Second, let us kindle love for our neighbors in our hearts. "Love for all the saints" - writes St. Paul. Every person, even the one who has hurt us, is a child of God, carrying within them a spark of goodness. Let us show love in concrete deeds: in a kind word, in help in need, in patient endurance of the weaknesses of others. Let us remember forgiveness, which is the key to healing wounded relationships and building true community. Forgiveness is not forgetting, but an act of love that frees us and the other person from the bonds of resentment and hatred.

Third, let us persevere in prayer. Let us pray for ourselves, for our loved ones, but also for those who are our enemies. Intercessory prayer is an expression of love and care, and also a source of peace and hope. Let us ask God for strength to overcome difficulties, for wisdom in making decisions, for love that transforms our hearts. May our prayers be filled with gratitude for all of God's gifts. Let us thank Him for each new day, for every person He has put in our path, for all the good things He has given us.

May this New Year 2025 be a time of spiritual growth and renewal for all of us. May it be a year abounding in God's blessings, full of peace, joy and gratitude. Amen.