For the next couple of weeks the first reading at Mass will come from the Book of Revelation. That’s because we’re nearing the end of the liturgical year. The first Sunday of Advent (this year November 29) marks the beginning of the new year in the Church.
In today’s first reading from Revelation 1 and 2, Jesus commends the Church in Ephesus for their perseverance and endurance. But then He gives this warning: “Yet I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first. Realize how you have fallen. Repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.”
Whenever I see this Scripture, it reminds me of "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" by the Righteous Brothers. Now I know that love is not a feeling, but it often seems that way. It seems to me that our faith, and perhaps our love, ebbs and flows. When we become complacent in our faith, our love - or our resolve to love - can wane. We grow hardened. Let’s pray that we can always reignite our faith, day by day, that our love will not weaken, but grow stronger, and be shown through our works of love.
Father, may our faith never wane, and may our love grow stronger today. Amen.
Christmas draws ever nearer. Now is the time to help bolster the faith and knowledge of your parish by giving away copies of A Minute in the Church for Christmas! Order today at www.GusLloyd.com.
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