My dear brothers and sisters, as we move deeper into Advent, the Church asks us to check the stability of our spiritual lives. Our reflectio...
My dear brothers and sisters, as we move deeper into Advent, the Church asks us to check the stability of our spiritual lives. Our reflection today rests on three words starting with F: Fortress, Foundation, and Fruit.
First, Fortress. Isaiah describes a "strong city" with walls and ramparts to protect us. But the prophet clarifies that our true security isn't in stone walls, but in God. "Trust in the Lord forever! For the Lord is an eternal Rock." In a world that is often chaotic and uncertain—especially in our country where we face typhoons and trials—we need a spiritual fortress. That fortress is our trust in God’s providence.
Second, Foundation. Jesus picks up this image in the Gospel. He distinguishes between the wise man who builds on rock and the fool who builds on sand. Both men built houses; both houses looked fine from the outside. The difference was only revealed when the storm came. Advent is the time to inspect our foundation. Are we building our lives on the shifting sands of public opinion, money, or feelings? Or are we building on the solid rock of Christ’s teachings?
Third, Fruit. Jesus warns, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom... but only the one who does the will of my Father." A strong foundation must produce fruit. It is not enough to pray (to say "Lord, Lord"); we must also do. St. John Damascene, whom we can remember today, defended the faith with great intellect, but he also lived it with great holiness.
Today, let us ask the Lord: When the rains fall and the floods come, will my house stand? Let us rebuild our foundation on Him, our mighty fortress, so that our lives may bear the fruit of obedience.
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