Thursday of the First Week of Advent
Or Optional Memorial of Saint John of Damascus, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Matthew 7:21; 24-27
Early Advent

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks with the skill of both a master teacher and a master craftsman. When He describes two builders—one wise, one foolish—He draws not only from Scripture but from His own experience of daily labour. In Palestine, a sandy ravine could look peaceful in the dry season, yet become a raging river in winter. A short-sighted builder might choose the easy ground, avoiding the hard work of digging down to rock. But only the house founded on bedrock could withstand the storm. Jesus reminds us: only a life rooted in Him can endure the trials that inevitably come.

As Advent begins—a season of preparation—Jesus calls us to examine the foundations of our spiritual life. He first asks us to listen. Many today form opinions about Jesus or the Church without truly hearing His words. Some reject what they imagine the Gospel to be, not what it actually is. Advent invites us to quiet our hearts and allow Christ to speak anew—through Scripture, the liturgy, and the stillness of prayer. Faith begins when we give Jesus the chance to be heard.

But listening alone is not enough. Jesus also insists that we do what He says. Knowledge becomes faith only when it is lived. We would not seek a doctor’s advice and then ignore his instructions; yet how often do people hear the Gospel without taking the next step of putting it into practice? Christian life requires moving from words to deeds, from intention to conversion.

The word that gathers hearing and doing into one is obedience—an obedience born not of fear but of trust. Like sailors who obey instantly because their lives depend on it, we too find life when we entrust ourselves to Christ. His promise is sure: whoever builds on His word will stand firm, no matter the storm.

May this Advent strengthen our obedience to Christ, the true foundation of our hope.

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025