By Vimal Kumar A. csc –
Readings: Is 26:1-6; Mt 7:21, 24-27
The liturgy of the first week of Advent invites us to meditate on the theme of ‘Hope.’ Hope is not a mere emotion, but a precious moment to pave way for the fulfilment of awaited things. In the season of Advent, our hope is in the Lord, whom we intend to welcome amidst us.
Today’s reading emphasizes that our hope without action is in vain. Our actions speak louder than words. In a way, Jesus stressed that the plan of God for each one of us is not in mere words, but through actions.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” Jesus taught us the values of the Kingdom of God: peace, joy, righteousness, love, compassion, etc., and we are called to put them into practice and hope for Jesus to be born in our hearts. Our words will not give us lasting hope, but our actions can. In this season of Advent, we are called to remain hopeful and be able to take actions that can result us establishing our solid foundation on the Lord.
Showing compassion to the poor, helping the needy, rendering our selfless service to economically poor children, showing equality, dignity, and respect towards our colleagues and workers, etc. would make us wise people who build houses on a solid foundation, which is the Lord himself. May this Advent help us to reflect hope in our actions to make a beautiful home in our hearts with a solid foundation to welcome the new-born Jesus.