How good is good enough? Do you have to be perfect to get to heaven? In the second reading this Sunday, Paul seems to think so when he tells us to be “blameless in holiness” (1 Thess 3:13.) Now Paul never considered himself as perfect. But even with his weakness, Paul always did the best he could. So, what should we strive for? Maybe we can take a hint from his phrase, “strengthen your hearts.”
Think of athletes who try to do their best. A great ball player takes batting practice every day to improve his average. Good athletes are always looking for ways to improve themselves. They keep in shape so they can be stronger, faster, and smarter. That same attitude is what Paul means by “strengthen your hearts.” And Advent is a good time to start.
As we prepare to celebrate the coming of the Lord, we can get ourselves in spiritual shape. Spiritual reading can give us a stronger prayer life. But if our spiritual reading just makes us feel good, we may be wasting our time. Hopefully, it will lead us to try praying more often and more seriously. Likewise, we can read about volunteering to feed the poor, but making a commitment and doing it is what strengthens the heart. Then as the Gospel says, we may have “the strength…to stand before the Son of Man.” (Lk 21:36)
Tom Schmidt, Diocesan Publications
First Sunday of Advent | USCCB