Preparing for the New Year
Pope Shenouda III calls for not being satisfied with the external preparations for New Year’s Day, but rather focusing on true spiritual preparation through self-examination, repentance, and growth in the love of God, so that the new year may become a holy new beginning in spiritual life.
- The Importance of Self-Examination
Pope Shenouda III emphasizes the necessity of sitting with oneself in an honest session before the beginning of the new year, without justifying mistakes or blaming others or circumstances. God will hold each person accountable for himself and his own life.
- Not Excusing Oneself by Circumstances
He presents biblical examples such as Joseph the Righteous, Noah, and Moses the Prophet, who lived in difficult and evil circumstances, yet remained faithful to God and did not use circumstances as an excuse for falling.
- Staying Away from the Causes of Sin
Resisting sin alone is not enough; one must also stay away from its causes and sources. Fleeing from the causes of falling is a sign of spiritual strength and wisdom, not weakness.
- Examining the Means of Grace
Pope Shenouda III calls for reviewing spiritual life regarding prayer, reading the Holy Bible, confession, communion, fasting, and spiritual readings, because distancing oneself from these means weakens a person spiritually.
- Evaluating the Spiritual Path
A person should ask himself: Am I growing spiritually, declining, or standing still? The beginning of the new year is not merely an outward occasion, but an opportunity for renewing the heart and life.
- The Love of God Is the Essence of Spiritual Life
Pope Shenouda III confirms that true religiosity is not merely commandments or external practices, but loving God with all the heart. A person who loves God does not avoid sin merely out of fear of punishment, but because he does not want to grieve the heart of God.
- Stages of Spiritual Growth
Spiritual life progresses from submission to sin, to struggling against it, then to repentance, purity, holiness, continuous spiritual growth, until a person reaches unity with the will of God.
- Spiritual Fruit and Serving Others
Concern should not be limited to the salvation of oneself alone, but should extend to winning souls for Christ, doing good, and showing increasing spiritual fruit in life.
- Warning Against Being Occupied with Appearances
Pope Shenouda III warns against being occupied with appearances, celebrations, and external arrangements at the expense of repentance, self-examination, and true spiritual preparation.
Conclusion
The true new year is not merely a change in the calendar, but a new heart, a new life, and a deeper relationship with God based on sincere repentance, love of God, continuous spiritual growth, and striving toward holiness and fruitfulness.
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