Another new year has arrived, with the requisite opportunity for making changes in one’s life and all the hopefulness of fresh beginnings. For some, the emphasis is on finding stability in financial changes, while others resolve, as ever, to get in shape and get healthy. Some strive to quit smoking, while others want to conquer the alcohol problems or unhealthy relationships or bad habits that possess them.

What if your resolution this year is to transform yourself in a more spiritual way, by exploring how to become a better Catholic and a better follower of Christ? What if you wanted to put your words into action?

What if you actually tried to live the familiar words of Matthew 25:34-40?

Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’

Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?

When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?

When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’

And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’