As we enter 2024, we wish you all peace and joy in the love of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It has been a week since we entered the new year. Many people are full of expectations, hoping that the Covid-19 pandemic and all the misfortunes attached to it are all over, and society is headed to economic recovery and the improvement of the quality of life. Quality of life does not about better living conditions or material abundance, as these are just the “hardware.” It is, more importantly, “software”—the individual’s character and spiritual richness that count.
Pope Francis also has plans for 2024 as declared it a year of prayer to prepare for the 2025 jubilee. He encourages all of us to pray from the heart every day. The Lord Jesus himself gave us the “Our Father,” which is the best template for prayer. It is concise but meaningful, encompassing both wishes [hallowed be your name; your kingdom come; your will be done on earth] and petitions [give us today our daily bread; forgive us our sins, and save us from evil]. In reciting and immersing ourselves in this prayer daily, we can transform our spirits and clarify our intentions to feel the presence and deep love of God.
Indeed, prayer is a conversation with our Father in heaven—God. It is a way to express our thoughts, gratitude, wishes, apologies, or any other sentiments without reservation. We don’t need to worry about revealing our secrets or being looked down upon by God because He always loves everyone unconditionally. He never rejects us leaves us abandoned us. All we need to do is trust him wholeheartedly.
Regarding the Prayer Year in 2024, the Jubilee Year 2025 Preparation Committee also urges dioceses to lead all clergy, religious, and laity in making prayer the centre of Church life. Suggestions include organising “Prayer Pilgrimages,” such as monthly or weekly reflections on prayer experiences led by bishops to involve everyone. The Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication also plans to publish a series of “prayer notes” to reiterate various Catholic prayer methods for rebuilding an intimate relationship with God.
This Sunday is Epiphany. Following the guidance of astronomical visions and starlight, the Magi travelled a long way from the east to Jerusalem to visit the newborn King. The Magi represent people’s desire for the Lord Jesus and hope for spiritual peace. Applied to today’s society, the Wise Men represent the masses seeking truth and justice, aspiring to improve their quality of life while also seeking spiritual nourishment. May we always harbour hope as we enter 2024 with heads held high. SE
