Saints Edmund Campion, SJ, Robert Southwell, SJ, and Companions
Mt 7: 21, 24-27
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock.
And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
A Solid Foundation
I grew up in the Adirondack Mountains and sometimes climbed Blue Mountain with my family. I remember reaching the top and sitting on the exposed rock thrilled at my accomplishment and amazed by the creation I could see. To get to the top we had to hike sandy paths and slippery boulders and when we got to the top I was relieved to be standing on solid, dry rock.
Faith can be like climbing up a mountain, sometimes unstable and slippery, sometimes strong and solid. Consistent prayer helps to solidify my foundation. I also like to keep symbols of faith in my prayer space as visual reminders. While most of us can’t climb a mountain today, I encourage you to find a rock and keep it where you pray during Advent. Let this rock be a reminder that whatever you encounter in the world, your faith provides a solid foundation.
—Kay Gregg is the Assistant Department Chair for Campus Ministry at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois.
Prayer
Loving God, you offer me a sure foundation for my faith, even when I stumble. Help me to deepen my prayer so that I can deepen my relationship with you. Amen.
—Jesuit Prayer team