Sunday 7^th December – 2^nd Sunday of Advent

Reflection: 2 Peter 3: 8-14

WAITING ON THE LORD’S PROMISES

Credibility is an honour that is becoming rare in our time. The increasing liberty at which people make and break promises is a clear attestation to this. The shades and litany of excuses offered seem endless. However, we must be constantly reminded that how true we are to our promises and pledges says a lot about our integrity. Though there might be legitimate reasons to doubt the credibility of human promises, this should not be extended to our relationship with God. Our Lord’s faithfulness is unequalled. Over and over again, we see him uphold His promises in the lives of His children (Genesis 15: 1-6; 2 Chronicles 20: 1-30; John 14: 16-18; Acts 2: 1-4).

 Beloved, what expectations do you have from the Lord? Has He made a promise to you but appears to delay in fulfilling it? Please never let go of your faith. Wait on Him. St Peter, telling us about the Lord’s promises in today’s second reading says: “…do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day. The Lord is not slow about His promises as some count slowness…” Clearly His ways are not our ways and His divine operations transcend the calculations of the human mind (Isaiah 55: 8-11). Nevertheless, let us completely rest in the certainty that His delays are not His denials – He answers us at the best time for us.

Dear friends, patience is a true test of our faith in God and the persistence of our faith in the face of “delay” is a sound affirmation of our dependence on Him. Let us persevere in good works. Let us keep our hope alive in God and He will surely reward our faith in Him.

PRAYER: Oh Lord, you are my joy and consolation! Please strengthen my faith in you that I may celebrate the fulfilment of your promises to me. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 1837 – Fortitude ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord!” Psalm 27: 14 RSV-CE

Readings for Today: Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9-11; Psalm 84: 9-14; 2 Peter 3: 8-14; Mark 1: 1-8