“I am the LORD, there is no other” – Isaiah 45:6
Years back, when my children were in grade school, we were gathered around the television on Good Friday, watching a movie on the life of Christ. My son, maybe 8-9 years old at that time, was seated on the floor in front of us. The movie reached a climactic scene where Peter denies Christ for the third time. The rooster crows. The camera zooms in on Peter’s face as he realizes his denial, and the movie cuts away to a commercial. After a brief pause, and while his eyes are still fixated on the tv, my son announces, to no one in particular, “If I were ever in that position, I hope I would not deny Christ.”
My wife and I had no immediate response other than a startled look at each other. Is this the same kid who an hour earlier thought life was coming to an end because he was forced to eat all his vegetables at dinner? And now he’s uttering something pretty profound for his age?
In our reading from Isaiah, we hear, “Turn to me and be safe, all you ends of the earth, for I am God; there is no other!” How often do we turn to God for safety and help? Too often, I fail to put my trust in Him or His plan. Too often I underestimate the power of prayer. But this is what I admire about my son’s faith. Not only has he turned toward God, but he continues to possess a comfort in his faith that is beyond his years. He accepts God’s will for his life with unquestioning trust. And I see that relationship with God strengthened by the intentionality he brings to prayer, his faith life, and personal contemplation.
Dear Lord, may this Advent season be a time for all of us to slow down and build our relationship with You, the one true God. May Advent afford us opportunities to better trust our in You and Your plan for us. Amen.
Dr. Patrick Slattery
To view the full Advent 2021 booklet in English, click here.
For Spanish, click here.
For French, click here.