Episode 2823: A New Year Rooted in Eternal Life - Morning Episode

Episode 1722: St Sylvester I
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Word of the Day
Church & Liturgy Lectionary The book containing readings used in the liturgy.

Before we get started
A plenary indulgence is available on December 31st (Today) when the faithful recite the Te Deum ("We praise You, O God.") in public thanksgiving for the graces and benefits received during the year. This indulgence is granted under the usual conditions:
1. Sacramental Confession (within about 20 days before or after).
2. Reception of Holy Communion (preferably on the same day).
3. Prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father (e.g., an Our Father and Hail Mary).
4. Detachment from all sin, even venial sin.
A plenary indulgence is a grace granted by the Church that removes all the temporal punishment due to sin that has already been forgiven in confession. In simpler terms, it is a way to purify the soul completely, as if one had just received baptism, provided the conditions are met.
Temporal punishment pertains to the purification needed due to the effects of sin and is finite in duration, satisfied through penance, good works, or purification in Purgatory.
The Te Deum is an ancient hymn of praise attributed to St. Ambrose and St. Augustine.
Te Deum hymn
We praise You, O God: we acknowledge You to be the Lord.
All the earth worships You, the everlasting Father.
To You all Angels, the heavens, and all the Powers,
To You Cherubim and Seraphim cry out without ceasing:
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts!
Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of Your glory.
The glorious choir of the Apostles,
The admirable company of the Prophets,
The white-robed army of Martyrs, praise You.
The holy Church throughout all the world acknowledges You:
The Father of infinite majesty;
Your adorable, true, and only Son;
Also the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.
You, O Christ, are the King of glory.
You are the everlasting Son of the Father.
When You took it upon Yourself to deliver man,
You did not disdain the Virgin's womb.
Having overcome the sting of death,
You opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at the right hand of God, in the glory of the Father.
We believe that You will come to be our Judge.
We beseech You, therefore, to help Your servants,
whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood.
Grant that they may be numbered with Your Saints in everlasting glory.
V. Save Your people, Lord, and bless Your inheritance.
R. Govern and uphold them now and always.
V. Every day we bless You.
R. We praise Your name forever and ever.
V. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin.
R. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
V. May Your mercy, Lord, be upon us, as we have placed our hope in You.
R. In You, Lord, I have placed my trust: let me not be put to shame forever
A New Year Rooted in Eternal Life
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Introduction
Welcome, dear listeners, to today’s episode, where we reflect on the deeper meaning of renewal as we approach the start of another year. In a world where the turn of the calendar often focuses on resolutions and fleeting goals, the Church invites us to embrace true regeneration a transformation of heart and soul that aligns us with the eternal. Let’s explore this call through the wisdom of saints and scripture.
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Segment 1: A New Year, A New Heart
Bishop Fulton Sheen once beautifully said:
“My wish for you is that you will have a Happy New Year but by new year I do not mean in the sense of another…there is no happiness in adding year to year and growing older. By a new year I mean new in the sense of regenerated, rejuvenated, new-born, for there is happiness in having life before you especially the Eternal Life of God.”
In this perspective, the year ahead is not merely about the passage of time but about the renewal of our souls. What a radical call: to view the future not as another cycle of days but as an opportunity to grow closer to God, to participate in His divine life.
The Church teaches us that such renewal begins with friendship with God, as St. Teresa of Avila reminds us:
“For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God.”
When we anchor ourselves in daily prayer, we invite God into every moment of our lives, allowing Him to transform us.
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Segment 2: Trusting God in the Present Moment
Renewal doesn’t require grand gestures or monumental changes. As Father John Catoir wisely counsels:
“The more you trust God, the happier you will be...The great spiritual masters tell us that the path to both happiness and holiness is found in fidelity to the duty of the present moment. If you take care of the little things, the big things will take care of themselves. Be faithful to the duty of the present moment. Do it for the Lord, and be at peace.”
Holiness is cultivated in the ordinary moments of life in our work, our relationships, and even in our struggles. Trusting God in these moments transforms them into acts of love and fidelity. It’s here that we experience true happiness: not in chasing worldly success but in surrendering our lives to His will.
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Segment 3: Renewal through Works of Mercy
Renewal isn’t just an internal process it flows outward into our actions. Scripture speaks to this beautifully in Isaiah 58:
“Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, Here I am. 'If you take away from the midst of you the yoke, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your desire with good things, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.'” — Isaiah 58:9-11
When we embrace the works of mercy feeding the hungry, consoling the afflicted, refraining from judgment we reflect the love of Christ. Renewal happens when we pour ourselves out for others, trusting that God will replenish us.
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Conclusion and Prayer
As we stand on the threshold of this new year, let us not simply add another number to the calendar. Instead, let us strive for the renewal that comes from friendship with God, trust in His plan, and acts of mercy toward others.
Let’s close with a prayer to carry us into this journey of renewal:
Heavenly Father,
As we enter this new year, renew our hearts and minds. Help us to see this time not as a measure of days but as an opportunity to grow in holiness. Teach us to trust in You in every moment, and inspire us to serve others with love and compassion. Strengthen us to follow the path You have laid before us, and guide us with Your light when we feel lost. May we always seek the eternal joy of life with You.
Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Thank you for joining us, and may God bless you in this journey of renewal. Until next time, let’s embrace the Eternal Life of God, one moment at a time.