Come and See: Ending the Year in Reflection Not Restlessness
“Probe me, God, know my heart; try me, know my thoughts. See if there is a wicked path in me; lead me along an ancient path” (Psalm 139:23–24).
Introduction: Reviews With Jesus
December often brings pressure to close deals, hit revenue targets, and plan for a bigger year ahead. But before we rush into 2026, the Church invites us to pause and review the year not by our balance sheets but by God’s presence in our lives.
This month’s prayer theme is Reviews with Jesus. For Catholic women in business, that means exchanging restlessness for reflection and letting Christ — not Key Performance Indicators — frame our year-end review.
We turn to St. John the Evangelist, whose feast we celebrate on December 27. John leaned on Jesus’ heart at the Last Supper and bore witness to the Word made flesh with contemplative clarity. His Gospel begins with “Come and see” — a call not to rush but to behold. As Catholic entrepreneurs, we are invited to end the year in the same posture: listening, gazing, and learning to see our work as God sees it.
Inspired by the example of St. John the Evangelist, let’s explore what it means to end the year in reflection, not restlessness.
Review With Gratitude, Not Just Metrics
Entrepreneurs often measure progress with numbers: profit margins, client counts, or website clicks. Yet God measures differently. A business year isn’t only about what worked strategically but also about what was pure grace. Surprises — whether a providential client, a moment of rest, or a hidden lesson — are signs of God’s hand at work.
Action: Make a two-column list: “What worked” and “What was grace.” Let both categories include surprises.
Related CWIB resource: Keeping a Work Journal - A Spiritual and Practical Guide for Catholic Female Entrepreneurs
Bring Regrets Into Christ’s Light
Missed goals, failed launches, or difficult relationships can leave us restless at year’s end. But Jesus doesn’t shame us for what we didn’t accomplish; He redeems even our losses. By naming our regrets and placing them at the foot of the Cross, we allow Christ to transform failure into freedom.
Action: Name one missed goal, failure, or loss. Offer it at the foot of a crucifix in prayer and let it go.
Related CWIB resource: Suffering Setbacks - Embracing the Suffering of Losses in Business
Ask Jesus How He Saw Your Year
We often ask ourselves: Was I successful? Did I grow enough? But what if the real question is: Lord, what brought You joy in my year? Silent prayer allows us to shift from self-critique to divine perspective. Jesus’ joy may be hidden in the small moments: the way we encouraged a colleague, showed integrity under pressure, or cared for our family while running a business.
Action: In silent prayer, ask: “Lord, what brought You joy in my year?” Write down whatever comes.
Related CWIB resource: Simplify Your Prayer Life
Prepare Your Heart, Not Just Your Planner
Strategic planning is important, but without spiritual preparation, our goals risk becoming hollow. Before mapping 2026 revenue targets or marketing calendars, spend time asking God for your “word” or spiritual theme for the year ahead. This anchors your business plans in prayer and ensures your goals flow from discernment, not distraction.
Action: Before year-end strategy sessions, schedule a holy hour or quiet morning to listen for your word for the year.
Related CWIB resource: A Planner’s Journey with Surrender
Practical Reflection Box
3 Ways to Review with Jesus as a Catholic Entrepreneur
Audit with prayer, not just profit. End your year by placing financial and spiritual fruits side by side.
Have a “holy hour’’ before your annual strategy session. Before Q1 planning, spend an hour with Scripture asking God to direct your focus.
Mark the liturgical year in your review. Recall how Advent, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time shaped your work rhythms.
Closing Prayer
St. John the Beloved, who leaned on the heart of Jesus and saw the glory of the Word made flesh, teach me how to end this year in wonder. Help me pause, ponder, and praise. Intercede for me as I review the mysteries of this year and open my eyes to what was holy all along. Amen.
Dr. Glory Enyinnaya is a management consultant who worked at Accenture before founding Kleos Advisory. She is a member of the faculty of Pan-Atlantic University in Nigeria. Glory is consecrated to Mary and serves as an official of the Legion of Mary in the Archdiocese of Lagos. She is a cooperator of Opus Dei and an Associate of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus.