Fr Paddy: 2026 – a new beginning

IN the Book of Numbers, the Lord instructs Moses on how to bless His people: "The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace." (Nm 6:24-26). This ancient priestly blessing is a promise of God's abiding presence, His light piercing our darkness and His gift of peace in a restless world.

As we reflect on 2025 – a year marked by political upheavals, natural disasters, ongoing conflicts and technological leaps – we see how fragile our world remains. Yet God's timing is perfect. Just as He entered history at the right moment through Mary, He enters our lives today, inviting us to welcome Him anew in 2026.

This year ahead holds promise ‒ global gatherings like the FIFA World Cup that unites nations in friendly competition, the Winter Olympics celebrating human achievement, and countless personal milestones – births, weddings, new beginnings. But it will also bring challenges we cannot yet foresee. In all of it, may we have the grace to trust, to say "yes" to God's will.

Let us heed the voice of the spirit calling us to build bridges of fraternity and unity. True peace begins in our hearts, families and communities – in forgiving offences, reaching out to the lonely and advocating for justice. Let us pray for peace in war-torn regions, for healing in divided societies and for harmony in our own lives.

May the Lord bless you and keep you in this new year. Amen. Throughout 2026, we can all make resolutions, perhaps the greatest ones are the simplest ‒ let's not take love for granted, appreciate the gifts of health and wellbeing and be kind and compassionate as we reach out to others sincerely. I pray that our pathway throughout 2026 will be one that is level and smooth.

Every new year brings with it expectation, uncertainty, hope and a degree of anxiety and 2026 invites us to begin again. The greatest gifts are really only appreciated when they are made vulnerable, particularly our health and wellbeing. This time when we make resolution and prioritise. A fitting new year's resolution is to safeguard our physical, mental and spiritual health. Making time for ourselves, being good to ourselves fuels our ability to reciprocate and share with generosity our gifts and talents. Already, the green shoots in our gardens and pathways celebrate that sense of new beginning. Christmas isn't just something that happened, but its effects linger throughout the year. I was greatly taken by the huge amount of people who made priority to coming to visit church this Christmas. I pray that the Lord will truly bless you with all that's good throughout 2026.

New year is often seen as an opportunity to improve ourselves or what we have. But while this can be a healthy practice, it is also beneficial to reflect on the blessings that we already have. On new year’s eve, people around the world watched their clocks strike midnight and brought in the new year with fireworks, celebrations and time with loved ones. It seems like, at least for a little while, we were all united in our gratitude for another year of life. For many, a new year brings hope because it represents a chance for a new start.

All of us need a new beginning, a fresh start. The good news is that Jesus is with us along the way and turning our eyes to Jesus renews us every time. As we begin a new year, we often desire change like weight loss or having a better work/life balance. These things are good; however, the change Jesus brings, impacts this life and the life to come.

He can change us on the inside in such a way that everything becomes new. He brings a new beginning to how we see God and ourselves. He brings a new beginning to our purpose. He may not change our problems, but he can help us overcome our troubles. He may not change the way you look, but he will make you confident in the skin you are in. He may not bring back the person you lost, but he will comfort you so you can comfort others. He is the Light and he knows how to chase away the darkness. We have a new beginning in Jesus. We do not have to wait another year to get our fresh start. Our God knows how to make everything new.

So many inspirational people and agencies have responded with compassion and kindness to our most vulnerable at this time. The fruits of new life anoint even the darkest most vulnerable wounds with a resilient courage and peace to continue and trust. As we begin 2026, may we embrace what is given to us all, the opportunity to begin again.

Begin is a beautiful poem written by Brendan Kennelly (1936-2021) which celebrates resilience, renewal and the quiet wonder in everyday life. A great source of inspiration as we begin this new year.

Begin 

Begin again to the summoning birds 

 to the sight of the light at the window

 begin to the roar of morning traffic

 all along Pembroke Road.

Every beginning is a promise 

born in light and dying in dark

determination and exhaltation of springtime

flowering the way to work.

Begin to the pageant of queueing girls

the arrogant loneliness of swans in the canal

bridges linking the past and future

old friends passing through with us still.

Begin to the loneliness that cannot end

since it perhaps is what makes us begin, 

begin to wonder at unknown faces 

at crying birds in the sudden rain

at branches stark in the willing sunlight 

at seagulls foraging for bread

at couples sharing a sunny secret

alone together while making good.

Though we live in a world that dreams of ending

that always seems about to give in

something that will not acknowledge conclusion

insists that we forever begin.