My Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
We are near the end of the Christmas season. We are called, as Jesus’ destiny, to carry on His mission, to accommodate God’s people, no matter where we encounter one another, and be His light. We are called, as Jesus is called from the Heavens at His Baptism, beloved!
There is certain notice when we hear the name, beloved. Its meaning is embodied through all ages, from the beginning of time, for we are born of God for God and God is matchless love. How precious does that naming make each one of us! We are to carry forth His divine Covenant for all the people, that light binds the heart of every person.
As we live within this new year, 2026, what then would be our New Year’s resolution? Easily, we might say, “to better ourselves.” Before we draw that general conclusion, let us be reminded of the Holy Family to whom we are born and our mission to lead others to God all our days. Yes, health is important for this to be accomplished. Yes, study is necessary for this to occur. Yes, financial livelihood for our well-being is worthy. All of these can be driven by the secular; by our desire to “look good” or “get good grades” or “be wealthy.” These resolutions take on a different tone when viewed within our calling as beloved. Their coloring is borne out of God’s matchless love and the reason behind our efforts are gathered as one for God, to flourish His kingdom on earth.
The Sacrament of Baptism introduces us into communion with Christ and gives us life. Pope Leo XIV said the Sacrament of Baptism renounces a culture of death which includes “indifference, contempt for others, drug use, the pursuit of an easy life, sexuality turned into entertainment and the objectification of the human person, injustice, etc.” As we become witnesses of Christ, Pope Leo continued, “It is the light of Christ, dead and risen, that we commit to keeping alive, nourishing this light by listening to the word of God and by regular participation in the Eucharist.”
Possibly this new year, we might be resolute to serve as witnesses of Christ; to recommit to keep alive the light of Christ, by seeking spiritual health, studying God’s Word, and receiving the richness of the Eucharist to sustain and flourish our faithfulness. As God grasps each one of us by the hand through the Sacrament of Baptism and holds us as beloved, we might also grasp our sisters and brothers and offer them God’s light as beloved. Now is the time to remember those who are in need, reaching out to them with prayer, offering food or other household items through Catholic Charities of Central Florida or parish food banks. Now is the time to honor the dignity of each person as a child of God, by the words we speak, the actions we take, and the prayer we offer. Now is the time to dedicate each day to glorify God upon our arising and at rest. Now we resolve to pray with thanksgiving for all we receive, individually and with our family and friends each day. Now we return to God what He gives 70 times 7.
Pope Leo XIV offers, “We become authentic Christians when we allow ourselves to be personally touched in our daily lives by the Word and witness of Jesus. In the midst of your tribulations, moments of loneliness and spiritual dryness, of misunderstandings, of weariness, may your hearts be established in Him who is ‘the Way, the Truth, and the Life,’ the source of all peace, joy, and love.”
If we live as authentic Christians, 2026 will be a very good year.