Thriving in Christ: A New Year's Reflection for the Church and Her Faithful
As we stand on the threshold of a new year we pause to reflect on the passage of time. The Church celebrates January 1 as the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the World Day of Peace. This year has been marked by the Jubilee of Hope, a grace-filled period reminding us that "hope does not disappoint" (Romans 5:5), as Pope Francis proclaimed in his bull *Spes Non Confundit*. Pilgrims have flocked to Rome, holy doors have opened wide, and hearts have been stirred toward mercy and renewal.
Yet, amid this jubilee grace, we must ask ourselves a profound question: Are we thriving, or merely surviving?
God does not merely desire our survival. He calls us to abundant life: "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). But God doesn’t just want us to survive. God wants us to thrive. Are you thriving? Or are you just surviving? Is the Church thriving? Or is it just surviving?
An honest examination of conscience is needed—not one of despair, but of courageous hope. In 2025, the Church has faced trials: the passing of Pope Francis, the election of Pope Leo XIV, ongoing global conflicts, declining attendance in some places, and cultural challenges to faith. Yet, signs of vitality abound—returning Mass-goers, vibrant youth movements, synodal dialogues fostering listening and co-responsibility, and lay-led initiatives breathing new life into parishes.
If we have the courage to take an honest look at the Church, the role we play in it, and the challenges facing it today, we will discover that Jesus is renewing his Church at this very moment, even if we do not have the eyes to see that. The Jubilee Year has been a beacon of this renewal, inviting us to pilgrimage, prayer, and conversion. In every place and time, Jesus invites us to live the faith in more personal and intimate ways through vibrant and active community—small groups sharing Scripture, families praying together, parishes reaching out to the peripheries.
Your future, my future, and the future of the Church are all intimately related to one another. It is people like you and me who make up the Church—the Mystical Body of Christ. If the Church is not thriving, it is because you and I are not thriving. We are the living stones (1 Peter 2:5); our personal holiness, our communal charity, our missionary zeal—these are the pulse of the Church.
The mission of the Church in this age is to share the life-giving gift of the Gospel with the people of our time. This is your mission. This is our mission together, and now is our time. We are the Church—called to evangelize in word and deed, to bring Christ's peace to a wounded world. As we enter 2026, Pope Leo XIV's upcoming message for the World Day of Peace echoes the Risen Lord's greeting: "Peace be with you!"—a call to an unarmed and disarming peace rooted in love, humility, and trust.
Are you willing to do your part?
This new year, let us resolve not just to survive the challenges ahead, but to thrive in Christ's grace. Commit to deeper prayer, active participation in your parish, and bold witness to the Gospel. Let us build vibrant communities where faith is lived intimately and shared joyfully. With Mary, Mother of God and our Mother of Hope, may we step forward as pilgrims of renewal.
In this coming year, may we all thrive—for the glory of God and the life of the world. Amen.
Pax et Carpe Diem,
Mike the Lesser