Sunday 6th December – Second Sunday of Advent

Reflection: Philippians 1: 4-6, 8-11

GROWING IN LOVE

“He who does not advance in the way of perfection falls back, for, love cannot continue in the same degree” – St. Teresa of Avila

The above quotation by St. Teresa challenges us to a daily effort to grow in virtues. To be satisfied with the achievements of yesterday is to give in to complacency and thereby rob ourselves of the needed impetus to get better in life. This brings to fore the need for us daily set aside time for proper self-examination.

Solitude affords us the opportunity to get alone with the Lord; through this, He gently brings to our awareness areas we are faring below expectations in the love of our neighbors and of Himself. Love is practical and constantly demands selfless actions. The depth of our generosity, service, forgiveness, patience, sacrifice and understanding are some of the parameters that can be used to assess the extent of our love.

God is love (1 John 4:7-8); it is only through him that we can truly learn to love. Let us prepare a way for Him in our hearts (Luke 3:4); let us daily embrace the life of self-renunciation. It is only by the way of love that we can attain the perfect life Christ has called us to (Matthew 5:48).

PRAYER: Please help me Lord to daily grow in love oh Lord! Amen

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 1827: The practice of all the virtues is animated and inspired by charity, which “binds everything together in perfect harmony;”…Charity upholds and purifies our human ability to love, and raises it to the supernatural perfection of divine love.

HIDE A TREASURE: “I do not claim that I have already become perfect. I keep striving to win the prize for which Christ Jesus has already won me to himself.” Philippians 3: 12 GNB

Today’s Readings: Baruch 5:1-9; Psalm 127: 1-6; Philippians 1: 4-6, 8-11; Luke 3: 1-6