This month, Archbishop Lori reminds us of the importance of our faith bearing fruit in good works. Particularly during Advent, when we reflect not only on Christ coming in the incarnation, but also his second coming in judgment at the end of the world. He asks that we pray and work to ensure we lead truly faithful and fruitful lives as disciples of Jesus.
Our first reading at Mass today reminds us that we are not alone in this effort to lead faithful and fruitful lives. The Lord says, “I will help you.”
If we truly surrender to Him, He will work through us to make His will manifest in the world around us.
This is good news as we reflect on our lives through the lens of Advent, and in particular, His second coming in judgement.
When we meet Jesus on the judgement seat, will there be ample evidence to show that we indeed led faithful and fruitful lives filled with the good works that God has prepared for us in advance of our lives. Or, will the evidence lean toward the contrary?
When we meet Jesus on the judgement seat, which statement will we hear: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Or will we hear, “Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angel.”
This month, Archbishop Lori challenges us to spend some time reflecting on the four last things — death, judgment, heaven and hell — to better prepare ourselves for eternity. In doing so, he asks the following questions. Do I live with my sights set on heaven? Am I aware of the reality of hell? Do I live my life so as to be prepared for my death and judgment?
In some ways, there should be some similarities between preparing for Christmas and preparing for our death and judgement. We should root out those areas in our lives where we are self-centered and self-obsorbed as opposed to living a Christ-centric life. In those areas where we cannot find Christ, invite the Lord in. Allow Him to do the works of God through us.
When we do our own thing, concerned only with self, we have a pitiful existence. Only through the Lord can our existence become glorious.
Through our choices and actions, we will determine if we will be celebrating Christmas or simply the secular holidays. Through our choices and actions, we will determine if we will welcome the Christ of Christmas into the manger of our hearts, or if we will simply miss the true Christ of Christmas. Missing the Christ of Christmas is truly tragic. However, not nearly as tragic as that cold judgment, “Depart from me!”
Use this Advent to deepen your relationship with Christ through the sacramental life of the Catholic Church and through practicing the works of mercy.
Through our participation in grace, the Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger, and of great kindness.
Thanks be to God!
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