It seems just like yesterday the leaves on the trees were green. Then, they started to change colors. Now they are falling down, and the trees are going bare.

This is the annual circle of life, so to speak, in nature.

I am fascinated by the efforts of everyone who spends hours raking, blowing, and removing the leaves to keep their lawns looking green and “leaf free”. We all do this as an annual chore, despite the fact that horticulturists advise us to let the leaves remain on the ground, as they are apparently good fertilizer for one’s lawn.

As we are approaching the season of Advent, we should prepare for going to the Sacrament of Reconciliation before Christmas, removing the sin that darkens our souls. Unlike the leaves, sin does not fertilize anything. It only leads to decay.

Let us make a plan to visit the confessional before Christmas Day, as part of our Advent preparation.

I would imagine that, if we knew this would be our last Christmas before being called home to meet Jesus, we would do this. For some of us, it may be just that.

This is food for thought.

By: Deacon Tom Gryzbek