As the new year begins, many of us naturally take on resolutions—whether we declare them outright or simply feel inspired by the sense of a fresh start.
For me, I often find myself caught in the allure of the "latest and greatest." It’s easy to fall into the trap of shiny object syndrome—chasing after one thing and then the next, simply because it’s new and exciting.
But as we turn the page to a new year, it’s worth pausing to consider something else: the things that are tried and true. This is one of the great gifts of the Catholic Church—its rich traditions, steeped in wisdom and grace, stand as a deep well for us to draw from.
This doesn’t mean that every single Catholic must follow the same exact routines or devotions. The Church, in her wisdom, offers variety because she recognizes the diversity of God’s people. Yet, within that variety lies a treasure trove of spiritual practices and habits that have stood the test of time—rosaries prayed through the centuries, fasting disciplines that anchor the soul, or liturgical rhythms that draw us into the life of Christ.
And it’s not only the history of the Church that we can reflect on, but also our own personal history. What spiritual practices have borne fruit in your life? What devotions or habits have helped you grow in virtue, deepen your prayer life, and draw closer to God?
As we step into this new year, let’s resist the urge to endlessly chase what’s shiny and new. Instead, let’s take a moment to rediscover the beauty of what is proven. What are the “tried and true” things God is inviting you to return to this year?