Pukapuka parishioners celebrate the new year with their priest Father Faustino. CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS/26011506
As we step into the New Year 2026, many cultures around the world mark this transition with meaningful symbols and rituals, writes Bishop Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado of the Catholic Church.
In Chinese tradition, fireworks light up the sky to drive away evil spirits and invite good fortune. The noise and brilliance are signs of hope, renewal and protection. As Christians, while we may admire the beauty of these customs, our path toward a blessed year is different. We begin not with fireworks, but with peace – peace rooted in obedience to God.
Peace is not merely the absence of conflict In the Bible, peace (shalom) means wholeness, harmony and right relationship – with ourselves, with others and with God. As a people of faith in the Cook Islands, beginning 2026 with peace is not only a spiritual aspiration but also a responsibility we carry for our families, our nation and our world.
Peace within ourselves
True peace must begin within. Many people enter a new year carrying unresolved burdens – regrets from the past, anxieties about the future and wounds that have not yet healed.
The Word of God invites us to start anew by placing these burdens in His hands. Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John 14:27).
This peace does not come from success, wealth or comfort, but from trusting God and living according to His will. Obedience to God brings inner freedom. As Scripture reminds us, “Those who love your law have great peace; nothing can make them stumble” (Psalm 119:165). When we align our lives with God’s word, we experience a peace that steadies us even in uncertain times.
As individuals, beginning 2026 with peace means examining our hearts, forgiving ourselves, letting go of resentment and renewing our commitment to live as children of God.
Peace within the family
The family is the first place where peace is tested and nurtured. In our homes, peace is not automatic; it requires patience, humility and love. The Bible calls us clearly: “As far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18). This begins with those closest to us.
In many families today, there are silent conflicts, misunderstandings, and broken communication. The new year offers an opportunity to rebuild bridges – to listen more, speak with kindness and forgive generously. St. Paul urges us, “Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you” (Colossians 3:13).
When peace reigns in the family, children grow in security, elders are respected, and love becomes visible. Strong families are the foundation of a strong Cook Islands society.
Peace for our nation
Our nation has long been known for its strong Christian faith, close-knit communities and respect for tradition. These are great gifts, but they must be nurtured intentionally. Peace in the nation begins with justice, respect and care for the vulnerable.
The prophet Isaiah gives us a powerful vision: “The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever” (Isaiah 32:17). When leaders govern with integrity, when citizens act responsibly and when communities work together, peace becomes more than a word – it becomes a lived reality.
As we enter 2026, let us pray for our leaders, our churches, our youth and our elders. Let us choose dialogue over division, service over self-interest, and unity over conflict.
Reconciling ourselves with God
At the heart of all peace is reconciliation with God. Sin disrupts peace – within us and among us. But God, in His mercy, always invites us back. “Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
Unlike fireworks that symbolically chase away evil, Christians confront evil through repentance and obedience. We reject darkness not with noise, but with holiness.
Obedience to God’s commandments is our true protection and blessing. As Scripture teaches, “If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God … the Lord will keep you free from every disease” (Deuteronomy 7:12,15).
Beginning the year reconciled with God means returning to prayer, Scripture, the sacraments and acts of love. It means placing God at the centre of our plans for 2026.
Praying for peace in our troubled world
As we welcome the new year, we cannot ignore the suffering in our world. Wars, violence, displacement and fear continue to mark many nations. Jesus’ words remain urgent: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
Let us pray for peace in places torn by war, for innocent victims, for leaders to choose wisdom over power and for hearts to turn away from hatred. The Psalmist’s prayer becomes our own: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure’” (Psalm 122:6).
Conclusion
As 2026 begins, let peace be our first resolution. Peace in our hearts, peace in our families, peace in our nation and peace with God. While the world may use fireworks to chase away evil, we, as Christians, choose obedience, repentance and love.
May the words of St. Paul guide us throughout the year: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body” (Colossians 3:15).
May 2026 be a year where peace is not only wished for, but truly lived.
