Like that, we are now twenty-five years into the two thousand series. We have witnessed a lot of progress but also a lot of challenges.  It is this period that ICT has grown in leaps and bounds, phones have reached unimaginable sophistication and old technologies laid to rest.  But it is also in this era that we have witnessed Ebola, SARS, and COVID-19. This same era has brought us plenty of inflations and wars. On the local level, we have witnessed, EndSARS problems, Cash crunch, cashless economy, and unimaginable increase in food prices along with unending increase in fuel price.  The challenges have been more than the benefits, but then we are still alive, and we can start afresh.

This is what every new beginning means, an opportunity to rise above the challenges of the past and begin again. It is an opportunity to look to the future with hope and confidence instead of allowing the challenges to weigh us down. For individuals, we must set new goals and work to actualize these goals. Twelve months is a long time, but what a waste it would be if we just allow the months to go by without accomplishing anything tangible. Hence, individuals must try new things, new skills, new jobs, news market ventures, this is because, “No venture made, no gain is to be expected.” The fear of failure should not allow us to stay transfixed in the same position. It will be catastrophic. This is also true for businesses- Organizations must devise new style of reaching customers or new ways of existing to accomplish their goals. 

In a competitive environment, staying unique is the only way to survive when other competitors are folding up. But you cannot survive if it is the same old story.  Do something new, and hope for a better return and better life. In 2025, everyone must aim at doing something new, add something new and unique to your life, you will become a better person or a better group or organization.

As Catholics, 2025 promises to be quite exciting with the Jubilee 2025 with the theme, Pilgrims of Hope. Pilgrims do not stay idle, they are purposefully moving on, to new locations, in order to accomplish the goal of their journeys.  Pilgrims must set out even when they know the journey will not be easy, but they are undaunted because what they hope to get at the end of their journey is far better. This hope drives them forward.

For the Catholic Church where are we moving to?  Many of our people are poor, ignorant, and facing many challenges. If we must give them hope, then we must find solutions to these myriads of problems. As much as we are the top charity organization in the world, we must be deliberate about helping our members. We need more businesses to employ people. We need to generate more income and not just rely on Church collection. Yes, some Dioceses may be rich from proceeds from Church collection, but this will not last. Soon, expenses will out run income, and unless we have other sources from which we can generate more funds, we will not stay economically relevant for much longer in this harsh economic climate.

New beginnings need new vision and new vision will not come unless we withdraw from the busyness of our ordinary day events and take time to reflect on our life and what we hope to make of it. Thus, careful planning for what we hope to accomplish is important. As the saying goes “People don’t plan to fail, they failed to plan.”  And as Richie Norton once said, “every sunset is an opportunity to reset.” In other words, with each new beginning, we have the opportunity to fashion a better future and in the process rewrite our story. Every new beginning is thus a gift from God, a blessing that we should use to make our lives better.  If this is the case, then we must let go of the past.

For us in Nigeria, it is imperative that we let go of 2024 with its challenges and pains. Thus says the Lord, “Behold I make all things new! (Rev. 21:5)  Behold, I am doing a new thing: Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? Can’t you see it?” (Is 43:19). The promise of God are sure and will come to pass if we do His will. Those who want a better future, must get up from their beds of dreams and do the walk in the garden of hope. Only then will dreams turn to reality and the seeds planted bear fruits of joy and success.

New beginnings bring us life and as long as we have life, there is hope. As you work out your goals for 2025, find time to do something for others, to give them hope, to make life better for them. If you do this, you will discover more joy and fulfillment in your life. Wishing everyone a blesse and prosperous 2025!