Advent Reflections & Readings:
Week 2, Saturday

Reflection:
Both of today's readings reflect a marked change from the beginning of Advent. Remember the drill instructor telling the recruits that they are maggots on the first day of class and then building them up. We're beyond the "maggot" stage and the readings are more geared for those who are earnestly seeking the Lord. Paul tells us to start with fear and trembling and to build our faith on God's wisdom. It is beyond our natural capability, but Paul writes to those of us who have progressed beyond the natural. Paul wouldn't write in this tone to beginners, we must be more advanced than that.

Similarly, the discourse about the coming of Elijah is an advanced topic that could only be understood by those who have progressed, such as the disciples. Because of our preparation and learning up to this point, we are ready for greater understanding than when we began our spiritual journey. We're not done yet, but we have come a long way. Our progress this Advent is a microcosm of our progress in our lives.

With greater knowledge and ability come greater expectations. God can and should expect more from us because He has given more to us. We have grown so we can work more. We have learned so we can teach more. Our confidence should be high because God is so great in us and will lead us onward. When we get into trouble, He'll be there to bail us out. Fears that accompanied us when we were new to the faith should be in (or at least moving into) the past. We go boldly forward in faith.

Where is forward? Forward is accepting Him into our lives and into our world. Forward is heralding His arrival and preparing the world to receive Him. To do this we don't have to be worthy - we have to be ready and willing.

In Him,
Tim Russo

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