THURSDAY DECEMBER 7, 2023
THURSDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT YEAR B
Isaiah 26:1-6
Matthew 7:21.24-27
HOW STRONG IS THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR FAITH?
There is great need to occasionally examine the foundation of our faith in Christ to determine how strong we are. The season of Advent offer us opportunity to examine our faith foundation. Are we living in doubts? Have we swerved from our faith because of storms or “heavy rains” or “mighty winds”?
In truth, how strong are we? Can we testify that we have weathered the storms and overcome the heavy rains and withstand the mighty winds that came upon our faith at one time or another? How well are we dealing with temptations, and seemingly hopeless cases in our lives?
In the readings of today, we are called to examine our strength in the Lord against the backdrop of our faith commitment and devotion. Jesus in the gospel, questions the foundations of our lives. For on it rests all our life commitment as Christians.
And to the extent to which our foundation is solidly based is determined by the level and depth of our listening to Jesus’ teaching, comprehension of this teaching and commitment to doing his will. He did not only talk about listening but more importantly, listening with greater emphasis on comprehending his teaching and added greater task of doing that which the Lord desires.
And Jesus likens that act of doing the will as that which solidifies the foundations of our existence and life as Christians. We are therefore called to do much more than listening and comprehending. We are called to put into practice all we are taught. We must act on our knowledge by doing the desires, biddings and wills of the Lord at all times. So that all we know will be actualized in our actions towards our God. This is the way to please the Lord, to grow in strength and to be strong in faith.
When we resolve and actually act on the words of God, then the prophecy of Isaiah will be our songs, “we have a strong city; he sets up salvation as wall and bulwarks. Open the gates, that the righteous nation which keeps faith may enter in, because he trust in you.” And indeed, strength in moral, in faith and commitment can only come in attending to doing the will of God. And that action shows trust and commitment to our God.
Heavenly Father, we desire to do your will and walk in your ways. Keep us faithful to your words. May we build our faith in your instructions and each day, listen to, comprehend and carry out the demands of your word. May we never be swerved by pleasure of life or the desire and urge to preserve our lives by ourselves alone. Help us to trust in you and hold on to you all the days of our lives through Christ our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
