Readings: Isaiah 26:1-6, Ps. 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27, Matthew 7:21,24-27
“Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace, in peace because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock.” (Isaiah 26:3-4)
Advent is a season of hope. Without trust, expectations cannot arise. Isaiah says anyone whose mind is fixed on God will be kept in perfect peace. To trust is to feel at peace. If you are restless and uneasy, it indicates that you have not fully surrendered your affairs to God, or perhaps you do not trust Him. At Christmas, we celebrate that God took our human nature and became flesh to demonstrate how far He is willing to go to resolve our problems. If God could do this, why do we still find it hard to trust Him completely?
Keep this in mind: human beings will always let you down because they cannot do what only God can do. No matter how much someone tries to avoid betraying your trust, they will fail because they are not God. Therefore, our responsorial psalm today says: “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man; it is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” (Psalm 118:8-9).
Many trust in their wealth, intelligence, or social networks. As much as we cannot avoid trusting people, remember that only God deserves our complete trust. People will disappoint us, but God never fails. Trust in God alone, not even the “man of God.” No matter how virtuous someone appears, they cannot replace God; inherent limitations and weaknesses will always remain. Many of us claim to trust God, yet our actions often contradict this trust. Actions speak louder than words. If we truly trust God, our behaviour will reflect it.
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus told us, “It is not those who say ‘Lord, Lord’ who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven.” If we trust God, we will obey Him. For example, God says: “Do not steal.” (Seventh Commandment). To follow this commandment and avoid stealing, you must trust that God will provide your needs.
While Isaiah describes God as the “rock” to illustrate His unshakable nature, Jesus uses the same word to show how unshakable we become when we obey His word. There is a link between trusting in God (the eternal Rock) and finding peace of mind (becoming like a Rock). Jesus says, “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on rock.”
Your trust in God enables you to establish your fortunes on a sturdy foundation. It is often said: “Every day for the thief, one day for the owner.” Those who believe they are building wealth today through theft will soon realise they have built on sand when the truth is revealed. Building on rock means enduring life’s tests and hardships; it signifies remaining unshaken regardless of how dire circumstances seem. It also implies living without fear. Therefore, the Psalmist states: “In God alone be at rest my soul for my hope is in him.” (Psalm 62:1 & 5).
Let us pray: Stir up your power, O Lord, and come to our help with mighty strength, that what our sins impede the grace of your mercy may hasten. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Thursday of the 1st week of Advent. Liturgical Colour: Purple. Bible Study: Isaiah 26:1-6, Ps. 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27, Matthew 7:21,24-27)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu