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Come,
Lord Jesus

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Matthew 7:21, 24 - 27

Listening and acting

Memorial of Saint Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the Church

Listening and acting. These are two keys to today’s Gospel reading, keys that make it possible to do the will of God and make it to heaven.

Jesus says that if we listen AND act, we will be able to withstand whatever the world dishes out (which is a lot) and stay upright. And if we listen but fail to act, it all falls apart. To do the will of God and to enter the Kingdom of heaven, we must listen to Christ and act on his words.

Nobody said this was going to be a cakewalk.  It requires us to examine ourselves, our lives, and our priorities. And then take action and make changes. But we aren’t expected to push it all through under our own steam. Rather, we are to be like the wise man who built his house on a solid foundation. And that foundation for us is Jesus. When we trust him, listen for his voice, and let the Holy Spirit guide us, we will get there.

Advent is a great time to pause and reflect on how well we are doing God’s will. Is there some action we need to take? Are there things we need to change?

Try this: Try the daily Examen prayer, a practice developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola. It’s a way to think over your day, your actions, and your emotions, and ask for the grace to see God at work in your life and resolve to act on what he reveals.

In honor of the Memorial for St. Ambrose

Prayer of St. Ambrose for Pardon: Lord Jesus Christ, who stretched out your hands on the cross and redeemed us by your blood, forgive me, a sinner for none of my thoughts are hidden from you. Pardon I ask, pardon I hope for, pardon I trust to have. You who are full of pity and mercy, spare me, and forgive.