We are called to love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds and to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:37-39). When we make choices that hurt or destroy our ability to love God and others (by things we have thought, said, done, or did not do but should have ), we have sinned. Sin hurts us and others and keeps us from receiving and giving the fullness of God’s love.

It can be all too easy to notice the sins of others and think that we are not sinners ourselves, especially in comparison to some of the terrible evils that are happening around us. However, the web of sin is a complex one. It weaves through everyone in the history of the world, and it intertwines with our personal histories, similar to the way the effects of trauma on an individual leave a mark within a person’s genes that can be passed on to future generations.

Today, reflect on your thoughts, words, actions, and omissions in the light of God’s presence. Ask Him to reveal to you those things that you may be blind to that He wants to transform.

• Pray the Advent Prayer.

• Click the video below for today’s song for reflection.

• Prayerfully read 1 John 1:5-10.

• Spend at least 15 minutes in silence and consider how God might be calling you to grow in holiness.

• Ask for the grace of seeing clearly your own sinfulness.

Song: Lead Me to the Cross