For some reason, I got stuck on one little word in today’s Responsorial Psalm. New.

“Sing to the LORD a new song.”

Why a new song? I figured that word had to mean something.

And as I worked through the readings this morning, I started thinking about the idols I allow into my life.

In the first reading, God tells us there is no God besides Him. The psalm reminds us that the gods of the nations are nothing. And then Jesus tells the Pharisees to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.

Well, if there is only one God, why do I spend so much time serving idols?

Not statues or golden calves. I’m talking about things like wanting other people’s approval, worrying about what they think of me, or judging people by their status.

I know I struggle with those things.

Sometimes I worry about what someone might think if I speak openly about my faith. Will they think I’m some kind of holy roller? Will they think I’m trying to act better than everybody else? Other times, I catch myself judging someone by how they act, how they dress, or where they stand in life.

And something in the Gospel caught my attention.

The Pharisees tell Jesus that He isn’t concerned with anyone’s opinion and doesn’t regard a person’s status.

Now, they were trying to trap Him, but they were right about that.

Jesus didn’t need anybody’s approval. He knew whom He served. His Father.

I wish I could be more like that.

Because when I worry about what people think of me, I’m giving their opinions power over me. And when I judge others by their status, I’m doing much the same thing.

I’m allowing something other than God to influence how I see myself and others.

And those are some pretty sorry idols to be serving.

That brought me back to the word new.

Maybe singing a new song means changing the song I’ve been singing.

Because these aren’t just occasional mistakes. They’re habits. Ways of thinking and responding that I’ve developed over the years. Sometimes I probably don’t even recognize I’m doing them.

And habits don’t just disappear because we recognize them. They have to be broken, or better yet, replaced with something good.

That’s where St. Paul’s words in the second reading fit. He reminds the Thessalonians that the Gospel came to them not only in words, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with conviction.

I’ve been thinking lately about how much I’m learning about God. Between studying theology, reading Scripture, praying, and writing these reflections, I’m gaining a better understanding of my faith.

But understanding something and living it are two different things.

I can know that I shouldn’t judge people. I can know that I shouldn’t worry about their approval. I can even explain why those things pull me away from God.

But am I actually changing?

That’s what I keep coming back to.

And maybe I’ve been making this harder than it needs to be.

I have plenty of habits that need changing. But what if I started with just one?

One little habit that I could work on breaking, with God’s grace, and replacing with something better.

For example, when I catch myself judging someone, what if I simply stop and ask God to help me see that person as He sees them?

Nothing complicated. Just one small change.

And I probably won’t get it right every time. In fact, I know I won’t. But I can keep trying. I can ask for forgiveness when I fail and ask for the grace to do better the next time.

After all, habits are formed by doing something over and over until it becomes natural. Maybe that’s how I learn to sing a new song too.

I also find it interesting that I prayed for wisdom today. Not just more knowledge, but wisdom. Because I don’t just want to know more about God. I want what I’m learning about Him to change how I live.

And I don’t think the new song means throwing away everything I’ve been doing. Prayer, Scripture, Mass, and all those good habits matter. But they ought to be helping me become more like Christ.

So my prayer today is simple.

Lord, help me recognize the idols I’ve allowed into my life. Help me stop giving other people’s opinions and status so much power over me. Give me the wisdom to recognize the habits that need to change and the grace to begin changing them, one small step at a time.

Help me sing a new song, Lord. One that belongs to You.

What is one old habit in your life that God may be inviting you to replace with something new?

I pray you get the graces you need today.

Keep up the good fight.

I’m praying for you. Please pray for me.

Scripture: Isaiah 45:1, 4–6 | Psalm 96:1, 3–5, 7–10 | 1 Thessalonians 1:1–5b | Matthew 22:15–21