Reflection based on a writing of the late Fr. Benito Martinez, CM (1930-2023).

New Year’s Eve is not just the end of a calendar year; it’s an invitation to start anew, leaving behind what weighs us down and holds us back. This practice can be compared to a tradition observed by some families in Rome who, at the end of the year, throw old belongings and clothes they no longer need out into the streets. This symbolic act inspires us to clear our hearts of resentment, deceit, and burdens, making room for forgiveness and simplicity to renew our lives and relationships.

The Transformative Power of Forgiveness

St. Vincent de Paul, renowned for his spirit of charity, affirmed that forgiveness is essential for building communities united and strengthened in faith. Forgiveness is more than just an act; it is a reflection of divine mercy in our lives. As Jesus taught, forgiveness not only seeks to heal the injured but also to restore the offender’s dignity. Vincent emphasized that forgiveness and simplicity are signs of a pure heart capable of seeing God amidst conflicts and overcoming the barriers of pride.

Forgiveness heals and renews. It is the union of divine grace with our human effort. To choose forgiveness is to declare the offender innocent, even when they have deeply hurt us. It means lifting burdens and restoring trust, as Jesus did when He prayed for those who crucified Him: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk 23:34). This act, though painful, opens the way to a life of peace and inner joy.

Conversely, resentment, as Vincent described, is a destructive force, like a tumor or a virus that corrodes our relationships and connection with God. While resentment divides, forgiveness builds. It allows us to be reborn, like the phoenix rising from its ashes, to a life that is fuller, free from bitterness, and open to love.

Simplicity as a Path to Authenticity

St. Vincent de Paul considered simplicity a foundational virtue for those who wish to live according to the Gospel. Simplicity, he said, is “my Gospel.” It is a call to live authentically, with transparency and without deceit. Vincent praised rural women for their spirit of simplicity: “No pretenses, no double meanings in their words. Their hearts do not think one thing while their mouths say another.” This harmony between what we think, say, and do is at the core of simplicity.

Jesus exhorts us to clear and straightforward communication: “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No’” (Mt 5:37). Living simply does not mean renouncing material things but being authentic and not relying on masks or pretensions. Vincent warned, “The day you cease to be simple, the poor Company will be dead.” Simplicity invites us to avoid complicating our lives with superficiality, to value the essential, and to find beauty in the simple, as Mary of Nazareth did.

A New Beginning Rooted in Vincentian Spirituality

St. Vincent urges us to rethink our values, especially the value of beauty, which today is often distorted by materialism and appearances. True beauty, however, is simple and humble, reflecting the purity of the heart. Simplicity and forgiveness go hand in hand; both require humility and trust in God. St. Louise de Marillac, Vincent’s collaborator, affirmed that prudence and simplicity should guide our words and actions, especially in our relationships.

As we begin a new year, examining our inner lives is a Vincentian activity: identifying what hinders our relationships with others and with God, and letting go of those things. Forgiveness and simplicity lead us to a fuller life characterized by humility, authenticity, and fraternal love.

Let us renew ourselves through simplicity and forgiveness, remembering that both are divine gifts that enable us to live with authenticity, joy, and inner peace.