Saint Nicholas (d. middle of 4th century)

Thursday of the First Week of Advent

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 54 The Reception of Letters and Gifts in the Monastery
Mass: Is 26:1-6; Resp Ps 118; Mt 7:21, 24-27

The Lord is an eternal Rock.

Jesus tells us that the one who does the will of His Father in heaven will enter the Kingdom of heaven. To do the will of the Father means we have to listen to his Son, the Word made flesh who dwells among us. Jesus continues, Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. A question comes to mind: Upon whose ROCK am I standing?

Am I a Christian of words, or of deeds? Am I building my life on the rock of God, or on the sand of worldliness, of vanity? Am I humble, always trying to go along the lowly path, without pride, so as to serve the Lord?

(Pope Francis, homily, December 6, 2018)

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.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity

of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

MARANA THA! COME, LORD JESUS!

SAINT NICHOLAS, PRAY FOR US.