Whether it’s exercising, reading more, eating healthier foods or pursuing a new goal, many of us seek renewal as the year begins. Deep down, we want to live more fully and fruitfully – we long for a renewal that brings true and lasting peace and joy.
It’s a renewal not just of our bodies and minds, but of our souls. As we set our intentions for the new year, the Lord offers each of us a beautiful invitation: to begin anew spiritually, as well.
We don’t go at it alone! In our New Year’s goals, we sometimes start strong but lose our way. Having a coach, a mentor or a friend by our side can make all the difference. In our spiritual life, we have an even greater ally: the Holy Spirit, who accompanies, strengthens and guides us. What the Lord asks of us is simply willingness – even a childlike openness of heart.
Our helper: the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit has been poured out on us, given to “make all things new,” as Jesus promises in Revelation 21:5. It is not only our efforts that draw us closer to Christ. Jesus is already drawing us to Himself when we give Him permission.
So invite the Lord to renew your spirit this year.
Come, Holy Spirit! Receive the gift of God’s love so that you may continue to share His love. Let Him recreate and refresh your heart.
Wherever you are on your walk with the Lord, consider one simple step you can take to draw closer to Him this year. Remember, the Lord is not keeping a scorecard. He is with us every single day – after every fall, in every struggle, ready to lift us up, encourage us and invite us forward. He will never force us, but He will always invite us.
Goals for renewal
Consider these goals:
Daily: Do I have a daily moment with the Lord? Begin each morning, before your feet touch the ground, with a simple prayer of thanks for a new day, offering it to God. Then set aside 10 minutes to open the Word of God and pray. His word is “a light for our path, a lamp for our feet” (Psalm 119:105).
Weekly: Is Sunday Mass a true priority? Jesus wants to come to us in the Eucharist, to be our food for the journey. Look forward to encountering the Lord and worshiping with your parish family each week, so that we can bring his love, peace and joy out to our world.
Monthly: Can I make time each month to examine my conscience? Take inventory of your heart, and where there is a need, encounter God’s mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Annually: What commitment can I make this year to go beyond Sunday Mass and grow in faith? Participate in a Bible study, join a small group at the parish or go on a retreat this year. The Lord is waiting to renew us! (John 1:39; Rev. 3:20)
Father Richard Sutter is pastor of St. Gabriel Parish in Charlotte.