Friday of the First Week in Advent
Jesus asked the blind men: “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him.
The blind men here simply express their faith with a word: Yes. It is an outward expression of an inner conviction that they carry in their hearts. I would venture to say that one of the aims of the Christian is to be able to say “yes” to God in every circumstance and at every moment. The Blessed Virgin Mary lived this type of “yes”—not just once when the Archangel presented her with rather large questions, but she said it moment by moment.
Another way we could look at this response is in terms of our docility to the Holy Spirit—which is to say, our openness to grace. First, we are to be faithful in obeying God’s wishes as far as we know them. Some of what God asks of us we do not know, but God will call us to account for the things that we do know. Second, we are to renew our resolution to follow God’s will in all things. We may not always “know” God’s will, but we can desire it and remain committed to carrying it out (i.e. saying “yes”). And, third, we can call upon the Holy Spirit to provide light and guidance.
It is a worthwhile practice the evening before to look forward to the next day and anticipate the challenges and struggles you may encounter in saying “yes” to God. I appreciate approaching each day with a concrete plan or various devotional practices that help me to follow the Lord and give my heart to Him each day. Without a schedule, one can lose much time, fall into a habit of indecision, neglect duties or fulfill them carelessly, or develop the defect of inconstancy.
Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB
Posted in Articles for Advent, Articles for Advent, Daily Reflections