Thursday of the First Week of Advent

Reflection Questions

"Trust in the Lord forever!  For the Lord is an eternal Rock." Once again, similar to a few days ago, we hear in the readings the call to trust in God.  Do you finding trusting others difficult or easy to do?  Do you find it difficult or easy to trust in God?  If you find it can be difficult at times, why?

"He humbles those in high places..."  The readings today focus much on humility and stability.  What does being "humble" mean to you?  Do you agree with this quote: "Humility is not an exaggeratedly low opinion of yourself.  Humiliy is self-forgetfulness." (Peter Kreeft)  How might we cultivate a spirit of self-forgetfulness this Advent season? 

"Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock."  Have we been not only listening to God's Word, but acting on them?  What is at the foundation of your faith life...rock or sand?  How can we rebuild the parts of our lives that feel like they are slipping or being washed away?
Prayer

God, our eternal rock of wisdom and strength, we ask You to keep the faith and trust always in You.  May we have a spirit of humility and self-forgetfulness as we focus on the needs of those around us this Advent season.  May we always be not only hearers of Your Word, but doers of Your Word as well.  May our lives be reflections of Your Love.  Send us the Spirit to fill us with wisdom to trust and build our lives on the strong foundation of faith.  Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever!

Scripture

First Reading: Isaiah 26:1-6

Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a

Gospel: Matthew 7:21, 24-27

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website