Dear Trinitarians,
I begin with the first words of the Bible: ”In the beginning…”

I have been thinking a lot about beginnings recently. I love starting over when I have made a mistake. I want to reset a game or a conversation when things go wrong. I want others to forget the blunders I commit and begin again with me.

Our week begins with the gathering of Christians to worship and receive the grace found in word and Sacrament (Sunday – the first day of the week). We begin that day together in prayer.

We begin each day with a personal time of prayer and a morning routine of preparations for the rest of the day.

We are, at present, beginning the school year.

We begin the new Church year with Advent. We begin the calendar year January first.

The desire to “begin again” is a part of human nature. We are excited as we begin new jobs; we commit ourselves to new healthy habits.

The Christian life is the affirmation and the spiritual practice of the “begin anew” reality. Jesus offers us a chance to pick up and seek Him anew. We are offered the opportunity to begin again each time we humbly and honestly confess our sins. We have the opportunity as we begin the day in an act of self-offering to God. We are given the opportunity to begin anew each time we forgive someone.

To begin anew means new opportunities to love and serve. It is an opportunity to see myself and others through the eyes of God. It is not a reset or a do-over. It is a new moment for a new me.

As we begin this new school year, let us become aware of the possibilities for beginnings; with friends and family, with work and school, with Christ and His Church.

Remember the first words in the Bible? “In the beginning”? Well, you know this is not adequate to fully inform the possibility for renewal. The first words must be; “In the beginning, God…”

How will God be in your beginning anew?

Peace, Father Gerry+