As I approach the final week of Advent—transitioning from the third to the fourth candle—I must confess that I fall far short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). I allowed pettiness to take root over a comment from my son, letting it stew in my heart for two days. I grew irritated with a colleague who corrected me sharply. And I fell short in charity, not embodying the selfless love that the Blessed Virgin Mary showed when she hastened to assist her cousin Elizabeth in her time of need (Luke 1:39–45).
This Advent season has laid bare so many of my shortcomings. I’ve struggled with pride in beauty and possessions, scrolling through tempting Christmas specials and bundles. Though I resisted many impulses—deleting shopping carts with the reminder, “I don’t need it”—I still gave in and purchased two purses to add to my already ample collection, things I truly did not need. In seeking Jesus more deeply, I’ve been hindered by cold weather aggravating my arthritis, making it harder to attend Mass. I’ve not been consistent in my daily Bible reading, though by God’s grace, I’ve managed most days to pray the Rosary.
Too often, I feel like Martha—busy and anxious about many things—rather than Mary, who chose the better part by sitting at the Lord’s feet, listening to His teaching (Luke 10:38–42).
Recognizing these flaws—my pettiness, my misinterpretations, my attachments—reminds me how far I have to go to become the child of God He calls me to be. I am so very far from the perfect holiness of Jesus Himself.
Yet I am profoundly thankful that Jesus loves me just as I am, in all my imperfection. As St. Paul writes, “God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, RSVCE). I can only aspire, through His grace, to grow into a better version of myself as His beloved child.
This Christmas feels different from previous years, when I drew closer to God through frequent Mass and incessant prayer. This year has been one of deeper reflection, gazing at myself without filters and laying bare my soul to God’s abundant grace and mercy. I am imperfect—profoundly so—but held securely in the love of the Incarnate Word who came for sinners like me.
God Bless 💕🙏
Be Inspired! 
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