Put Out Into the Deep

For those who had imagined that merely ringing in the new year might bring a swift end to the nightmarish events of 2020, the eruption of violence at our nation’s Capitol burst that bubble.

The season of Advent is our time of preparation for the coming of the Lord. He comes in history, in mystery and in majesty.

So many things are out of rhythm this year. The pandemic has upset our customary points of reference. The school year, our work environment, sports seasons, travel and holidays are all up for grabs.

This week, we will observe Thanksgiving. It is perhaps the most distinctly American of our national holidays. Normally Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the “holiday season.”

I am writing this column on Monday, Nov. 2 (All Souls Day), the day before Election Day.