“I believe that all of life should be a continual preparation for the next life, because one does not know the day nor the hour of our passing.” These words of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati who died at the age of 24. So often we become attached to the things of this world and forget that we are pilgrims passing from this life to the next. Nothing of this world will be of value to us in the next. The wise ones are those who shine brightly in the darkness by clinging faithfully to God’s Word with obedience and trust. Advent calls us to focus on our preparation and readiness to meet our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to give a good account of our lives. “What you have done to the least of my brothers and sisters, you have done for me.” How well do offer our lives in selfless love and service to others? How well do we bring to life the power of God’s Word by the witness of our lives in service to God, the Church and others? The lesson of the son who said he would not go but in the end did his Father’s will is to see the presence of God in our midst and to respond always with faith and love, serving the Lord in love as we await the fullness of redemption in his name.
Prayer: Good and gracious God, we live each day in the loving embrace of your saving love. Be with us in our weakness and frailty. By your grace, lead us forward in hope so that we might grow in our love for you and others as we seek to gain eternal life. Make us instruments of your peace and mercy as we seek to offer you the sacrifice of our lives for the salvation of souls.
Action: Light a candle in the Church this week for those who have lost their way or struggle with their faith and pray for their return to the loving embrace of God.