Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Our bad tendency in the spiritual life is to want to do things on our own, separate from God, and we overemphasize our actions and our efforts. But, the problem is that we have focused so much on our action and human progress that we forgot the most basic aspect of our lives before God. We forgot what it is to receive. King David had the good intention of building a suitable dwelling place for the arak of God, but eventually God recounts what He has done for David and His people Israel. Ultimately, God is the one who promises to “establish a house for you,” not the other way around.
To be a Christian is not about fulfilling a task or completing a list of things to do. It is about welcoming the immense gift of faith that is offered to us.
In the Gospel, Zechariah’s words primarily are in praise of what God has done throughout the ages. God has set them free and provided for His people again and again. Again, it is about acknowledging God’s action.
How can this Christmas be a time to recall all that God has done for you, your family, and your community? The invitation is to rejoice in God’s saving action and to be willing to name such blessings and share them with others.
Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB
Posted in Articles for Advent, Daily Reflections