Word to the Wise
Thursday, December 7, 2017 - 1st Week of Advent - Thurs
[Isa 26:1-6 and Matt 7:21, 24-27]Trust in the Lord forever! For the Lord is an eternal Rock! [Isaiah] "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 buffered the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock." [Matthew]
DECEMBER 7- ST. AMBROSE
"Get a piece of the rock!" has been the line of a major insurance company for many years. Security and strength are the features of rock that they hope to convey. Indeed, we think of the Rock of Gibraltar when we speak of rock, or maybe the Rocky Mountains. The people living in Palestine and the Middle East are quite familiar with rock since their geography is rocky and sandy. Jesus' image of building on rock or sand would resonate in their minds. Folks in California have learned that difference from their earthquake experiences.
What does all this have to do with Advent? Those of us who are in pastoral work or counseling know how difficult major holidays are for many people. The importance of those traditional virtues of faith, hope and love can be hard to find when problems become magnified by the season. Finding something to believe in that will make it possible to get through it all can be a real challenge. Our faith is our principal resource. It is from this faith that we develop hope that God will always come to us. That manger scene is a sign not just of a promise kept but one that continues to be kept. It is the sign of an ultimate love. This kind of rock is worth building on. That child in the manger will be our security and strength. AMEN