Today's readings and much of my reflections throughout the day focused on building a strong foundation. What will sustain us? A strong heart.
Are our hearts strong enough to carry us through the thick and thin? We need to be able to rely on a faith and heart that is grounded. We need to rely on a heart that puts our faith into action and a faith that puts our heart into action. In the Gospel, Jesus says, "Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock." Jesus is calling us to action--we must walk the talk--grounded not in our desires, but instead follow Jesus when he says do "the will of my Father in heaven." Only this way will we enter the kingdom of God.
This is hard. This means letting go of our ways and looking for God's way. Do we open ourselves to find God's way? It is an Advent message. Mary did not choose to be the mother of our Savior, instead it was God who chose her. Mary only followed God's will. The Advent season is calling us to prepare our hearts to accept Jesus--his humanity and divinity; to accept Jesus so that he may become the path for us and lead us to the will of his Father. This must be our foundation or else"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."
If we choose to build the strong foundation, that is a faith and heart based on Jesus, we will be able to proclaim, like Isaiah:
"A strong city have we; he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us. Open up the gates to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith. A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in you."
Advent challenges me to strengthen the foundation of my heart and faith so that Jesus may make a home there without the house within me collapsing. Do I walk the talk?
