Second Saturday of Advent

In those days, like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijah whose words were as a flaming furnace. Their staff of bread he shattered, in his zeal he reduced them to straits; By the Lord’s word he shut up the heavens and three times brought down fire. How awesome are you, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds!

Just like Elijah, our words should be like a flaming furnace. They should warm the hearts of others. Thaw the ice of indifference. Enkindle the fires of love. Call out to the Holy Spirit: Come! They should shatter misconceptions, prejudices, hatreds, and all those chains that keep us from loving God and His children with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths. They should be willing to warn others when they are in spiritual danger and rebuke those who would lead others astray. Every word should speak to the awesome power of God’s Love, Mercy, and Grace and come from a heart that is thankful for all the wondrous deeds He has done through us.

Are we fulfilling our calling to be prophets of the Good News? Do we let the enkindling flames of the Holy Spirit spread from our words and works? Do we recognize God as the source, center, and summit of all our good deeds?

O Lord, may the fires of your love be spread through us and into the world.

Amen.