December 7th

December 7th, 2023
Madeline Bowling
Readings: Is 26:1-6/Mt 7:21, 24-27

Advent Reflection

Actions speak louder than words and good intentions. I feel that this is a common phrase
that can absolutely be applied to our faith. In today’s Gospel, Jesus said that “not everyone who
says, Lord” will be able to go to Heaven. In the Gospel, it communicates that just because we
acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God, this in fact does not make us ready to face judgment.
Our faith should not be built on something as fragile as words said to ourselves in the comfort of
our thoughts, but in our actions and the way we treat every person we encounter. During Advent,
we prepare ourselves spiritually for the birth of Jesus. Moreover, preparing our soul does not
only mean prayer (although prayer is important), but we need to prepare through our actions as
well. We need to act under the command of God. We need to treat others with empathy and
humility, understanding that if our actions reflect anger and pride, God will “humble those in
high places.” Advent is not only a time to be ready for the birth of Jesus, but also the time to be
ready for when He will come again. A house shouldn’t be set on a foundation of sand, but a
foundation of rock, or it will most likely become dilapidated by the storm. In the same way, our
souls shouldn’t stand on a foundation of words, but on a foundation of actions, or they might not
weather the judgment of God. Therefore, we can either listen, trust, and act or be ruined, but if
we act on the words of Christ as well as listen to them, we will be able to rejoice in God for
eternity.