Thursday, 2nd January 2024

“I am the voice of one crying out in the desert,
‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’
as Isaiah the prophet said.” 

As student of class 9 , I was playing the role of the prophet Isaiah yelling in the dessert with a white beard and gown and stole over my shoulder and a stick in hand I walked onto stage yelling verses I mugged up and for the first time in my life until then, I blanked out on stage… so I did the next best thing , banged my stick on the stage for effect and repeated the same line again for emphasis — I could see my teachers eyes widen in horror as she realized I had panicked or skipped it but my memory came through and the rest went smooth!!!

When life doesn’t go the way we planned it — we improvise it ! we take what we have at hand and move on. But we thank the Lord for what we have and make way for His plans to emerge in our lives! As I reflect on the last year – I am over whelmed with gratitude for everything and everyone that walked in and out of my life!

Work drama, health scares and family time made me realise how much I want to be close to my people – my family , my friends and my own home town working for them and serving them with my new knowledge ! It makes me realise how much I should be thankful for my family esp my parents and all of you readers for all the love and prayers that bless me on a daily / weekly basis. I confess I have typed these reflections at past mid night while I was dozing off at the computer or between work in our in patient wards when I had the time.

I did some day think maybe I should not be the one giving reflections on the Bible when Im sinning all over the place with my thoughts , words and deeds !!! Maybe John the Baptist felt the same imposter syndrome but he stuck to his mission and made way for Jesus as was assigned to him and I will too stick on to my mission of being a gynecological oncological surgeon – working harder and with the blessings of all my patients and for their benefit !!

I need to be faithful to my work and my mission in this new year and ensure that I don’t stray away from my calling due to some people doubting me or my self doubt or worse! my procrastination!

I encourage all of you as readers to find a mission of faith in 2025 – can be as small as discussing about your faith with someone new or maybe befriending someone in the church group.

Let us use our talents or mere faith to reveal Christ through our work and mission in teh new year and spread the light of Jesus – be our own John the Baptist ! Let us focus on finding this and if nothing we can just start on our own mission of faith !! #missionoffaith2025

AMEN.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025! a year to look forward too!

About the Author

Hello! I’m Dr Analise Maria D’ Mello, (MBBS, MS obgyn, DNB) from the beautiful state of Goa in India. I was born and raised in a Roman Catholic family, learning my prayers, catechism and Catholic values from my parents and grandmothers. I am currently practicing as an obstetrician and gynecologist for 3 years since my residency. I often speak on anti-abortion to college students and married couples, and counsel distressed pregnant women with appropriate medical advice. I am part of the St Luke's Medical Guild of Catholic Doctors in my state providing services in prisons, and Lenten and advent retreats for medical professionals and their families.

Author Archive Page

11 Comments

  1. Happy New Year Analise. Getting the message of Christ to others through our story and deeds is similar to John the Baptist …if someone asks “who are you”? You can tell them you are a daughter, a doctor, a friend and most important a child of God. May peace be with always.

  2. Happy New Year and thank you Analyse and other ACM writers for your weekly reflections. They are spirit- filled, insightful and practical. I hope to grow in my mission of faith this year.

  3. Dear Dr. Analise, please keep on writing your weekly reflections, if you are able in your busy life. Of course, your patients come first, but we at ACM gain so much from your reflections! Even a few words on Thursdays are an inspiration to us. Thank you for your efforts, and may God bless you in this new year.

  4. Happy new years to you, your family AMF all the CM family. Thank you for the inspirations of the past and the ones to come. Mission of faith 2025 is a great!

  5. Your thoughts are inspirational. I know you keep all of us in mind because they speak to so many. I also know God has already forgiven us for the stupid things we keep doing
    but don’t want to do, and for the things that we want to do but don’t.

    Hang in there!

  6. You are an inspiration for me keep doing what you’re doing you are compassionate and caring and it translates to your writing with A Catholic Moment Prayers and Blessings for you and yours

  7. Happy New Year Analise and to all readers and writers of ACM.
    Often,your struggles are our struggles Analise and we are on this faith journey with you.Let us start this Jubilee Year with faith filled hearts and a joyful spirit!

  8. I remember when you left to begin this journey. I didn’t realize all of the non-medical issues you’d face being a Catholic woman. Know that you are in our hearts and prayers. I admire your determination and dedication to your mission. You are an inspiration. My our Lord continue to bless you.

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