Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 7, 2023

Date: Memorial of St. Ambrose – Thursday of the 1st Week of Advent

Scripture Text: Matthew 7:21, 24-27

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. "Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today from Matthew gives us two important points appropriate for Advent preparation and reflection.

First, Jesus reminds us that it is not what we say but what we do that will bring us home at the end of our journey. After all, love is a verb; it isn’t what we say, it’s how we live. The Father Almighty and the Son both give to us two simple laws that fulfill their will for the world and for us as individuals: love the LORD with all your mind, heart, and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves. Are we living according to the will of the Father?

Second, how open are we to the teachings and examples of Christ? Are our lives built upon our faith? Is our faith foundational to our lives? Or is our faith something we relegate to a small portion of our week and only in selected locations? Unless is it the former, we will not be able to withstand the tests of the journey.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Is love of the LORD and of my sisters and brothers the compass I use to steer me on my journey? Is love of the LORD and others the foundation upon which I build my days, my life, or is an accessory for others to see?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, You are love itself and from your love emits creation and all goodness. We praise You for all You are. We give You thanks for all You have given to us: our lives, our world, our family, our friends, the beauty of creation, the goodness of creation, gifts and skills to serve us and others. Grant that your transformative love will fuel our journey in this life. Help us to live as You created us to live. Our desire is to love You and serve You. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.