As we step into 2025, it is hard not to reflect on the multitude of challenges we have had to overcome this past year. Ranging from political tensions to economic uncertainties along with personal obstacles, 2024 has been a difficult year for many people. Most of us have been looking forward to the coming New Year and hopefully embracing fresh optimism, leaving behind the negativity we have gone through. Our beautiful Catholic Faith calls us to let the love of Christ fill our hearts so that we can give out that love in support for one another in these trying times.
For some, the wounds of last year are still fresh. Forgiveness—more so towards those who hurt us—is close to impossible without God’s help. Every time that I look at the cross or wear the crucifix around my neck, I remember God’s unlimited love. He gave His only Son to die for us and forgave our sins. If Jesus could forgive those who judged, tortured, and mocked him, surely we can also, in the same way, forgive others for their misgivings towards us.
Forgiveness is never easy and can be an uphill battle. I know anger and resentment eat away at us only when we hang onto them. Clutching tightly such feelings keeps us from making room in our hearts for the love of Christ. If we allow bitterness to take over, wondering why God allowed those things or why those who hurt us show no remorse, then we have given negativity a foothold. And that is not where we should want our hearts and minds to be as the adopted children of God.
As we face 2025, I keep thinking about how difficult it must be for many of us to move on with life after such tribulations. How do we smile at the coming of the new year when the previous year has bruised and bereaved us? Truthfully, in those very darkest moments in our lives, we truly are never left with “nothing.” As Catholics, we have to remember God will never abandon us. He gives us the hope that tomorrow is another day, and with the passing of days, the load lightens—just a little. We move forward, step by step, from one daybreak to another.
The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, falls fittingly on January 1st, the beginning of the new year. We entrust each year to Mary, so that she may guide us on our way in our quest for hope and peace. It is also the World Day of Peace, reminding us to pray for peace not only in our lives but in those who are searching in their lives.
May the peace and love of Christ be with you all as we start a new year. I pray you all had a blessed Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and have a New Year ahead filled with joy and hope!
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help,
or sought thy intercession,
was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence
I fly unto thee,
O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.
To thee do I come,
before thee I stand,
sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Image of Our Lady of Grace from the Basilica of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte in Rome, Italy
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