Many people
may remember the movie Fireproof
released in 2008 with Kirk Cameron and Erin Bethea. Along with the themes of
fidelity to vows, communication, and establishing and building a personal relationship
with the Lord, there also lies the reality that our lives are not fireproof if
we don’t respond to grace, ask for it, and strive to rid ourselves of the
kindling that can affect our lives and those around us to crumble or go up in
flames.
The Gospel
for the First Sunday of Advent in this Cycle Year C, begins with our Lord
speaking to His disciples: “Be aware that your hearts do not become drowsy from
carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of life … Be vigilant at all times
and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are
imminent…” (cf. Lk 21:34-36) He is speaking of His return and for us to be
alert and ready as soldiers are when they must make the night watch while the
rest of the troop is resting.
The Church
gives us this beautiful penitential season to stop, look, and listen. To
stop for a moment a day to recognize our sonship with the Father and to
see our lives in His hands. To
look and examine where our lives are not fireproof from sinful habits
and the anxieties of life entering into our hearts and affecting our actions,
relationships, and future. To listen to the voice of the Holy
Spirit and follow the inspirations He gives us and to receive the mercy of God
in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Life is not easy. Jesus never said it would be. But He did promise that He is with us always
until the end of time and that He will give us the grace we need to walk with
Him, especially when we cannot see clearly the road He is taking us on.
The Collect
from Thursday is a fitting prayer for us all:
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.
May God
bless us with this grace.
-Sister M. Stephania, FSGM
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