And here we are. Just one more day and we will have Advent. This is the beginning of the new liturgical year. It is the beginning of the new spiritual journey that should lead us to something deeper than politics and confusion. All the tensions of COVID, the election, political powers and you name it, will have to bend their knees in front of the real King and God - Jesus Christ.
Advent is a time of uncomfortable reality. Maybe this is the reason that people want to put up all the Christmas decorations now just to skip this challenge. When we move towards Bethlehem for the next few weeks, we will have to leave behind everything that slows us down. We have to leave our selfishness, our bad habits, unsolved arguments etc. If we will not drop them, we will never make it on time.
For us Catholics, this beginning starts with confession, the sacrament of forgiveness and penance. We forgive and are looking for forgiveness. This gift is the most important thing right now in the USA. Forgiveness is not just saying "sorry" but it comes with spiritual restitution. I did something wrong so now I have to fix it to make things better.
So, it is time to begin with forgiveness. Make place in your heart for those that you do not like so much. Make yourself a person reflecting the journey you are taking. I know that in every store you will hear Christmas songs, not necessary talking about Christ. Do not let this world make you blind. Leave political correctness behind. Take the truth as a walking stick and love as your backpack and walk. This is a new year for your soul. Walk on and look froward to welcoming the One who won life for each one of us.