Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, Priest
In both our first reading and our Gospel we hear of the importance of the rock, which creates a strong foundation. Isaiah very clearly tells us that this rock is Jesus. We must build our lives on the strong foundation of Jesus.
Playing legos and blocks with my two little boys, they often get frustrated when they build a top-heavy tower that immediately falls over when they let go of it. We talk a lot about the importance of a strong foundation. We discuss and model to them that they need to make the bottom the strong part, so it can hold all the blocks that they put on top.
Reflecting on this now, I think this is a good analogy for how to raise those two inquisitive boys as well. We need to ensure that we are giving them a strong base and a strong foundation, centered in Christ, so that when the blocks and struggles of the world are piled on top of them over the years, they know to turn to Christ. They do not fall and topple, but rather they stand strong.
And what better time to really instill this strong foundation, than in Advent? This time of Advent is a perfect time to think about these two readings and how to make them truly apply to our lives. When you think about these weeks before Christmas, this time of preparation, what are you focusing on? What is your foundation? What are you anchoring in?
While this time of year can be very busy and stressful, I think that it is imperative for each us to step away from that and return to the heart of the season. We need to anchor ourselves in a strong foundation of prayer and peace to prepare ourselves to welcome Christ at Christmas.
I think the traditions, customs and festivities of the holidays are very important to who we are. But if they are not rooted in Christ, they become like sand - the meaning and importance simply gets lost and sifts through our fingers. It is necessary for us as Christians to make sure that at the heart of each tradition and ritual is Christ. When we stay focused on the real reason for this season, we create that strong foundation.
I love that Advent is meant to be a time of waiting in joyful hope for Christ. May we make this the foundation of our next 23 days. My hope is to be able to set aside time each day this Advent to focus on preparing my heart and my home and my life to more openly welcome Christ and to therefore build a foundation on him, the rock. And I pray that in doing so I may start to put the building blocks of faith in place for my children as well.
- Amanda Grimm