Pray for the Strength to Endure: A Homily for the 1st Sunday of Advent

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In the gospel for the 1st Sunday of Advent, Jesus does not say we should pray to escape tribulations, but rather we should pray for the strength to escape tribulations. That’s because the way we escape them is the same way that Christ escaped death on the cross — by passing through it.

But what kind of strength are we talking about? St. Paul tells us in the second reading today that we must strengthen our hearts with love, so that we might be found blameless at the coming of the Lord.

We must be strong in love, because the kingdom of God is a kingdom of love. There is no room for hatred or malice or selfishness in that kingdom...

Homily preached at St. Mary Mother of God Roman Catholic Church in Sylva, NC, on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024.