When the Storm Comes: The Revealing of the Heart Today’s Advent readings warn against proud self-sufficiency and complacency . . . . . . believing life is secure without ongoing conversion. The Prophet’s image of a proud city brought low echoes Jesus’ teaching that merely calling on the Lord isn’t enough; discipleship requires acting on Christ’s words. Life’s Storms Reveal the True Foundation of Our Hearts Jesus’ parable of houses built on rock versus sand shows that life’s storms reveal the true foundation of our hearts: hearing alone is insufficient . . . obedience matters. True spiritual stability comes from living God’s will, not self-reliance or superficial faith. The life of St. John of Damascus illustrates this: in the greatest trial . . . false accusations, loss of reputation, and even loss of his hand . . . he remained faithful and his faith was vindicated. Ultimately, true discipleship, like Mary’s, means surrender to God’s will, building a life on the solid rock of obedience to Christ’s word. Listen more to When the Storm Comes: The Revealing of the Heart ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work The Storm on the Sea of Galilee: Dutch Painter: Rembrandt: 1633 Uniquely, this painting was in a Boston Museum for almost 100 years, until 1990. It was stolen that year and remains missing. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Matthew 7: 21, 24-27 First Reading: Isaiah 26: 1-6