As Christians, we need to be like Boy Scouts. Be prepared. It’s the theme of Advent. Stay awake! Be ready! We see a very good reminder of that theme in our second reading today from 1 Peter 3.
“Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear.”
St. Peter’s exhortation presupposes that we know HOW to give an explanation for our hope. I’m not so sure this is always the case. How well do you know your faith? Are you ever questioned about it? If so, do you know how to respond? We don’t all have to be Scripture scholars or theologians, but I believe that we must always be learning more about our faith. And when we’re asked a reason for our hope, be able to help others understand why we believe what we profess.
Father, give us an always greater hunger to know our faith, that we may draw others to the marvelous truths that we hold dear. Amen.
The A Minute in the Church book series contains lots of one-minute answers to questions about Catholicism, so you can be ready! Order the five volume set today at www.GusLloyd.com.
I visit here (along with other sites) to accompany my readings and prayers to learn more about my faith.
Borrowing from today’s Homily, Msgr. Jim expressed that he loves this letter of Peter when potential converts ask him what it means to be a Catholic Christian.
He offered “a thumbnail sketch”: “They are people of hope, they are people of gentleness, they are people with reverence – not just for God, but for God’s Creation – other people. They have a clear conscience. When we are maligned, we suffer that maligning willingly because our sufferings are joined to the sufferings of Christ.”
His question was, if these are the qualities of a follower of Christ, how well are you and I doing?
I don’t know if it is acceptable/appropriate, but would be happy to post a link to today’s Mass and his Homily from YouTube.
Have a Blessed day!