Today we hear Jesus talk about two groups of people. Those who hear his Word and act on it and those who hear his Word and do not act on it.
This isn’t as much a discussion about faith and works as it is about what is happening inside the listener. All hear the Word using physical ears and senses. That is a given.
But it is like seeds thrown on rock that do not root in the persons heart. This is why we are taught not to have hard hearts for the love of God spoken through the Word of Jesus Christ can not enter it.
They hear. The mind understands the Word. But they are not open to the things of God. For their focus and God is this world and the things of this world. They have believed the lies of the evil one and do not see that they are children of the Father, the almighty and loving God who created them. They have listened to the world tell them there is no love for them. And there is no real hope for them in the Word. They only hear the promises of possessions and temporary things. Anxiety, the offspring of fear, often owns their heart and they hold on to fears tightly. Afraid to let go of being afraid. Somehow thinking that anxiety helps them control everything or be the god of their own life. Of course that is original sin, the desire to make our selves a god and not listen to God at all.
But for the one who hears and acts all is different. They have allowed the Spirit into their hearts. They have given control of their life to Jesus Christ who they trust in for everything.
Their actions or works are not new boxes to check off but a natural reaction to the love God has filled their heart with.
This isn’t a faith and works discussion at all, for the one who hears the Word and allows it to enter their heart will react out of love to spread that love among others by how they live.
To hear the Word and then find oneself acting reflects true faith through grace. Today we are called to allow Jesus to make our stony hearts soft and available to take in his Word and will and allow us to live for what we were all created for…to be loved and to love others.
This Advent, we are called to be still. To do things different and not fill every moment with activities and to do lists. Rather we are called to slow down. Like Lent, Advent is a time of preparation. A time to ask Jesus to soften our heart a little more. If you do not yet pray the rosary each day, I strongly urge you to bring Mary into your lives for she will lead us closer to her son. We should be growing closer to God this Advent and a daily rosary is the fastest way I know to grow in relationship to God. I hope we all have a slower Advent and each day find time to just be still and quiet and allow more of our heart to be filled by the love of Jesus Christ.
Deacon Tony Pynes 
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