Thursday, December 05, 2013

Only the One Who Does the Will of My Father


“A strong city have we; he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us.  Open up the gates to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith.  A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in you.”  Isaiah 26:1-3

Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.  Matthew 7:21

Piety
Child Jesus, you who wished to be born poor and in a stable in Bethlehem, make my heart your home this Christmas. Take it and receive it, so that it may provide hospitality to those born today in our world under the same circumstances as you 2,000 years ago. Give me your love and your grace, and help me to be in solidarity with others, especially those who need it most. Amen. (From CRS Prayer resources http://crs.org/prayers/ultimate-incarnation.cfm)

Study
We become strong in the Lord both through our faith and by doing the will of the Father literally and figuratively through this Advent season.
The image conveyed by Isaiah of a strong city is not based solely on the weapons of the army but on the faith they exhibit in God and the justice they display toward others. 

In this season, we are preparing much.  House decorations, wreaths and Christmas trees have begun to come out of basements, attics and closets and adorn our living rooms.  Just as we prepare a space for the Lord in our homes, we have four weeks to prepare a space for the Lord in our hearts and minds.

While popular culture equates the proverbial visit of “Kris Kringle” with December 25, tomorrow is the feast of St. Nicholas.  Both the Eastern and Western Churches honor St. Nicholas.  According to various websites, after the Blessed Virgin, he is the saint most pictured by Christian artists.  Nicholas was a bishop during the fourth century in Lycia.  According to the website American Catholic:  “Perhaps the best-known story about Nicholas concerns his charity toward a poor man who was unable to provide dowries for his three daughters of marriageable age. Rather than see them forced into prostitution, Nicholas secretly tossed a bag of gold through the poor man’s window on three separate occasions, thus enabling the daughters to be married. Over the centuries, this particular legend evolved into the custom of gift-giving on the saint’s feast. In the English-speaking countries, St. Nicholas became, by a twist of the tongue, Santa Claus—further expanding the example of generosity portrayed by this holy bishop.”

Action
In some Christian families, they move gift-giving up to December 6 in honor of Saint Nicholas.  The page above devoted to St. Nicholas also suggests that we utilize the lesson taught by his legendary charity to look deeper at our approach to material goods in the Christmas season and seek ways to extend our sharing to those in real need.  That also is in keeping with the theme of today’s readings – a theme of justice and of carrying out the will of the Father – making His will our will.

Consider how your charity can continue to assist these special intentions especially in areas struck by natural disasters.  For example, The Philippines have been struck by two natural disasters in two months. Jesus, too, would be moved with pity for these people as they face the mountain of rebuilding ahead.  As victims struggle to recover from the earthquake and typhoon, prayerfully reflect on how your family can help by donating to relief efforts.

You can make this not only a Giving Friday but also make every day of Advent a day of prayer, thanksgiving and charity. 

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