Hard Lessons from 2024

2024 is coming to an end. So much has happened. From record unemployment and inflation, attacks on Catholics, a tumultuous presidential cycle, and many events and headlines far and in between. 2024 has given us some hard lessons about faith that can be applied to the upcoming year.

Catholic Faith Is Not a Punchline

Remember the sacrilegious stunt from NBC in Paris? It does provide a lesson for us all. The Catholic faith is not to be saturated and made a mockery of.

Since the church was established by Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church is not a joke. Saint Luke reminds us, “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man;

they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage up to the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.”

Joy Doesn’t Equal Rage

The Democratic Party claims to be a political party of joy. That was a lie. Governor Tampon Tim Walz showed the true colors of this “party of joy” during the Vice-Presidential debate when he snapped at his opponent, J.D. Vance who remained cool, calm, collected, and composed.

St. Padre Pio reminds us, "Joy, with peace, is the sister of charity. Serve the Lord with laughter.” When we smile and laugh with joy in our hearts, we conquer the sadness and rage that attacks us.

Accept The Reality of Death

Sometimes, we take death for granted. We would often say that this person is “in a better place.” Yet, we don’t know if that person is or not. This is a reminder to always pray for the faithfully departed and for those in purgatory.

Be Not Afraid

The one message God gives us throughout the bible is three simple lines, “Be not afraid.” Catholics must remember to live out their faith. Those who refuse are taking no part in the battle to save souls. The one battle that they will eventually fight is for their own.

Thank God on Every Occasion

St. Paul wrote, “In all circumstances, give thanks.” Catholics do have much to be thankful for. Whether it’s a new job, completing a milestone, getting a promotion, tying the knot with someone, or other momentous occasion.

Then, some may have lost a loved one, a job, a home, or even fallen short of potential. The great apostle of the early church reiterates the point that giving thanks comes in times of good and bad. God is present in everything.

Give Alms

America and the world have embraced hard times. Sadly, many are too attached to materialistic things. It’s time to start thinking more of others and less of self. Countless saints in the church have demonstrated how to see Christ in the needy.

Advocating for the Voiceless

Believe it or not, Dobbs has provided a challenge for Catholics when it comes to the defense of human life. The issue of life was on the ballot in the recent election. The states of Florida, Nebraska, and South Dakota voted to uphold life. Sadly, a great number of states have not done so.

65 million babies have been slaughtered in the United States in more than half a century. The time to give voice to those in need is now.

Life is Not a Bed of Roses

One way many saints were able to reach the high altar was to embrace two things: their cross and faith. Christ challenges us to carry our crosses if we are worthy of following him. 80% have failed to do so today and will likely continue to do so.

They embraced the faith by making the sacraments frequently and proclaiming the Kingdom of God on earth until God’s will was fulfilled.

These lessons could remind us to strive for holiness more in 2025. The time to be a bold and faithful Catholic is now.

Rise Up and Be Not Afraid