St. Anthony the Abbot Catholic Church

God's tireless attention to us is shown forth eloquently in the lives of the saints, who are always striving to seek out the lost sheep and tend to the needs of those around them. St Louis IX, King of France in the thirteenth century, is a perfect example. His 52-year reign is still considered one of France's most golden ages.

He understood that God had not made him King so that he could enjoy himself, but so that he could show forth God's goodness to his people. He used to walk through the streets of his cities distributing alms by the handful. He would go into the hospitals and homes for the dying and nurse the worst cases himself. He would sometimes invite to his own royal dinner table twenty homeless people whose filth and stench revolted even the soldiers of his guard.

Once when he was outside, he heard the distant rattle of a leper, which was a warning to stay away from the afflicted person. But St Louis walked directly toward the sound instead of away from it, and embraced the hideously deformed man. He gave special attention to the administration of justice, introducing lasting reforms in the legal system. His biographer even tells about how he would sometimes leave morning Mass and go outside under an oak tree near the edge of the woods. He would stay there all day to hear complaints and cases of the common people, administering justice quickly and fairly so that they didn't have to invest time and money in following the complex court procedures. He was always present to his people, because he had discovered that God was always present to him. And God is present to us too, always waiting for us under the oak tree.

God has not forgotten about us, and He never will. Knowing this, St. Peter asks in today's Second Reading, "What sort of persons ought you to be?" Pessimistic, discouraged, and cynical? Not at all!  St. Peter gives us two qualities that should mark the life of every Christian. Going to the next level in these two qualities should be our spiritual project for Advent.

First, S.t Peter says our lives should be marked by holiness. The Greek word is "anastrophe" and it refers directly to our behavior, to how we act. Holiness doesn't mean that we go around with our heads in the clouds;    holiness means that we go around as Christ went around, treating other people with sincere respect, and looking for opportunities to do good to those around us.

Second, St. Peter says our lives should be marked by devotion. The Greek word is "eusebia" and it refers not to our actions, but to the fundamental attitude underlying our actions. This should consist of joyful  reverence toward God, our Creator, Redeemer, and Guide in all things. Devotion isn't just a matter of saying a lot of prayers; it's a matter of living at all times in a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ; that's what prayer is meant to foster. To make that possible is the reason Jesus came to earth in the first place.

God will give us yet another reminder that He hasn't forgotten about us. When He does, and when He comes to nourish our souls in Holy Communion, let's ask Him to show us how, this week, we can grow in holiness in our interaction with others, and grow in devotion in our relationship with Him.