By Kristine Schroeder
Lessons Learned
“The word of God is living and effective,
sharper than any two-edged sword,
penetrating even between soul and spirit,
joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections of the heart.
No creature is concealed from him,
but everything is naked and exposed to the eye of him
to whom we must render an account.” Hebrews 4:12
“To whom we must render an account.” Those are definitely words to reflect on as we begin 2026. Every new year, we make resolutions to change our physical, social and/or emotional health. Maybe you’ve decided to eat less sweets or exercise more and regularly. Perhaps joining a group will help you learn new skills or meet other people. Why not resolve to seek counseling for an issue that has troubled you for some time? All of these ideas can lead to a more improved and healthier person.
However, to be successful in worldly matters, we need first to upgrade our spiritual self, and there is no better method to accomplish this than to familiarize ourselves with God’s Word through the Scriptures. Psalm 128 tells us, “Blessed are you who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways.” When I reflect on that passage, I recall how I felt toward my parents.
Never did I fear them in a cowering sense. Rather, my fear was born out of respect for their rules and expectations. I didn’t want to disappoint the people who loved me and cared for my welfare. Their love, in turn, helped me understand how we should act if we fear God. In John 14:15, Jesus states, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments,” Obedience is the ultimate sign of respect.
According to Matthew Kelly, one of the four signs of a dynamic Catholic is study. When we read Scriptures, God endows us with the wisdom to lead our everyday lives. In Psalm 127, we are told, “If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor.” Important choices in our lives need to be examined within the context of God’s Word.
Our abilities, talents, intellect, even our place of birth are all part of God’s plan for us. What we choose to do with these gifts indicates our recognition of his generosity and our gratitude to him. Material wealth, amazing achievements, worldwide recognition mean nothing in God’s eyes. Numerous stories in the Gospels illustrate the expectation that we are to share these assets with the poor and less fortunate, Sirach 35:12 states, “Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means. For he is a God who always repays and will give back to you sevenfold.”
As this year progresses, let us use His Word as our guide. If you are experiencing difficulties, ponder John 16:32. Jesus says, “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” God is always with us. Acts 14:22 states, “It is necessary to undergo many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.”
While few of us would voluntarily wish to suffer either physical or mental pain, Scripture reassures us that our trials are never in vain. If we trust God’s plan, Romans 8:28 states, “And, we know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
Struggling with children and discipline, Jesus has sound advice. In Matthew 5:37, he says, “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’” Jesus also reminds us in Hebrews 12:11, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” In a world that dismisses the importance of discipline, Jesus sets us straight.
A priest once said we should always keep our final day on earth in mind. Psalm 37 tells us how to live until that time. “Trust in God and do good.” Sound advice. For as Timothy 6:7 reminds us, “For we brought nothing into this world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out.”
God’s Word is the ultimate authority on every issue. Have a Blessed New Year!