By Sister Teresa Margaret, O.C.D.
“When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God being carried by the Levitical priests, set out from your place and follow it… Then you will know the way you should go, for you have not passed this way before.”
— Joshua 3:3–4
Threshold moments…we have them throughout all of our lives…some bigger and more momentous, and some on the more normal side of life. But regardless of the magnitude of the threshold, they all imply a crossing over, a stepping forward, a movement from one side of something to another. As I prayed with scripture, I was reminded of a “Threshold moment” with the people of Israel as they stood at the edge of the Jordan River, looking toward the Promised Land. Behind them lay forty years of wandering and slavery prior to that; ahead was a new chapter filled with hope—and uncertainty. Isn’t that what the New Year feels like? We stand at a threshold, aware of what’s behind us, with ALL that this year has entailed, yet unsure of what lies ahead. What emotions do I feel as I stand at the threshold of this new year—hope, fear, gratitude? And yet, just like with the Israelites, God goes before us. The Ark of the Covenant leads the way into the crossing of the Jordan River. It is a visible sign that God Himself will go before His people, that God will go before you and will not abandon you. As we step into the unknown of this new year, we are not alone. St. Thérèse reminds us: “Jesus does not demand great actions from us, but simply surrender and gratitude.” Our task is not to control the future but to follow His presence. Where do I need to surrender control and trust God’s leading this year?
Stones of Remembrance
After crossing the Jordan River, Joshua told the people to take twelve stones from the riverbed and set them up as a memorial. Why? Because we forget. We forget God’s faithfulness when new challenges arise. These stones were a way of saying: “God was faithful then; He will be faithful now.” St. Teresa of Avila said, “Let nothing disturb you… God alone suffices.” Remembering past graces strengthens us for future trials. What “stones” of God’s faithfulness can I carry into this new year? The Jordan crossing wasn’t just about leaving the desert; it was about entering the promise. The New Year invites us to leave behind fear, resentment, or old habits—our “Egypt”—and step into God’s future. St. Paul echoes this: “Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead…” (Philippians 3:13). What do I need to leave behind so I can walk freely into God’s plan?
Lord, as I stand at the edge of this new year, help me to follow Your presence, remember Your faithfulness, and step forward with courage. May this year be a journey deeper into the mystery of Your heart. Amen.
