“Let us begin again, sisters and brothers, for up until now we have done little or nothing,” St. Francis of Assisi was fond of saying often. He even supposedly said it on his deathbed, as his “Sister Death” drew near.

As Christmas draws near, and the New Year soon after, it might be helpful to repeat that phrase like a mantra:

Begin again. Even if it doesn’t “feel” like Christmas.

Begin again. Become like a little child.

Begin again. If your last breath approaches, or if grief looms before you.

Begin again. If the past weighs you down, if you hold heavy failures.

Begin again. If tragedy has crushed you.

Begin again. If you heart is full or your heart is broken.

Begin again. Christ makes all things new.

Begin again. Christ will wipe away every tear.

Begin again. Let go.

Begin.

Again, and again. Begin.