{"id":5742,"date":"2022-01-03T15:49:11","date_gmt":"2022-01-03T21:49:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sarahdamm.com\/?p=5742"},"modified":"2022-09-11T15:50:26","modified_gmt":"2022-09-11T20:50:26","slug":"beginning-again-saint-quotes-new-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sarahdamm.com\/index.php\/2022\/01\/03\/beginning-again-saint-quotes-new-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Beginning Again \/\/ Saint Quotes for a New Year"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ringing in the new year rekindles our hopes and dreams. It\u2019s time to celebrate a fresh start, turning the page to begin a new chapter. We look forward to new opportunities and adventures. The deep desires of our heart float up to the surface, and we can\u2019t help but wonder:<\/p>\n

Is this the year for ______________? What is right around the corner? Could there be more in store for me?<\/em><\/p>\n

The dawn of a new year can also leave us feeling\u00a0hesitant to hope. We worry about being let down<\/a> \u2026 again. Perhaps we made resolutions in years past that fizzled after a month or two, and the expectations of ourselves fell flat. And again, we wonder:<\/p>\n

Will this year be another disappointment? What if this new year is no better than the last? What if I fail again in making real change in my life?<\/em><\/p>\n

Approach the New Year With Prayer<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In order to sort through this array of emotions, we must approach the new year with prayer. Through prayer, we can bring our hopes, dreams, and fears about beginning anew to the Lord. And as we entrust it all to Him and listen to His response, we realize God\u2019s plan of sheer goodness for us (see\u00a0Catechism of the Catholic Church<\/em>\u00a01).<\/p>\n

Through prayerful dialog, His plan will unfold and our hearts will increasingly open to His holy will for us.<\/p>\n

What do you want to do in my life this year, Lord? What area of my life needs attention? Will You be my strength, Lord? Because I can\u2019t begin anew without You.<\/em><\/p>\n

As we pray about the new year, let us consider six themes:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Start right where you are<\/li>\n
  2. Reflect on the past<\/li>\n
  3. Trust in the Lord<\/li>\n
  4. Look forward with hope<\/li>\n
  5. Make resolutions<\/li>\n
  6. Don\u2019t give up<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Saint Quotes for the New Year<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Moreover, let us contemplate what the Saints say about starting over in the new year. After all, their desire is to help us not only reach our new year\u2019s goals but our final reward: eternity with God in Heaven.<\/p>\n

    On Beginning Anew<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The Saints have much to say about the simple idea of beginning anew. They know that January is not the only time to start over. Rather, God\u2019s mercies are new every morning (see<\/em>\u00a0Lamentations 3:22-23). So everyday of the year, we can begin again.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThe saints did not all begin well, but they all ended well.\u201d \/\/ Saint John Vianney<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u201cBegin now to be what you will be hereafter.\u201d \/\/ Saint Jerome<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u201cAlways we begin again.\u201d \/\/ Saint Benedict<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u201cEveryday I say to myself, today I will begin.\u201d \/\/ Saint Anthony of the Desert<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u201cIt is right that you should begin again every day. There is no better way to complete the spiritual life than to be ever beginning it over again.\u201d \/\/ Saint Francis de Sales<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u201cBegin now \u2026 Believe me, don\u2019t wait until tomorrow to begin becoming a saint.\u201d \/\/ Saint Th\u00e9r\u00e8se of Lisieux<\/em><\/p>\n

    Start Right Where You Are<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    In order to begin anew, we need to embrace where we are in this very moment of the brand new year. This is exactly how God wants us to come to Him in prayer.<\/p>\n

    \u201cTrust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.\u201d \/\/ Saint Teresa of Avila<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u201cGo to our Lord just as you are. Be natural in your meditation. He wants the thought and prayer of that heart as the genuine expression of its love for Him.\u201d \/\/ Saint Peter Julian Eymard<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u201cHe who climbs never stops going from beginning to beginning, through beginnings that have no end. He never stops desiring what he already knows.\u201d \/\/ Saint Gregory of Nissa<\/em><\/p>\n

    Reflect on the Past<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Once we accept where we are in this present moment, it is good to reflect on the past before we move forward:<\/p>\n