“Childhood of Christ” (detail) by Gerrit van Honthorst
“But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:8-10)
Complacency is a fault that can affect all of us. We become comfortable with our routines. Indeed life becomes a routine. But, we all know there is a danger in this.
Deep within each of us is a longing for something more… someone more. Our time on earth is a time of pilgrimage during which we prepare for the life to come. Earth is not our true and final home—it is but our present home. This life we experience provides us with opportunities to become more like our God in terms of holiness and care for others. We literally are to spend this life learning to live and love as our God does. The Lord is patient with us and desires all of us to be saved.
But, this life is exceedingly short and the life to come eternal and where we go is up to us. St. Peter reminds us that this life will come to an end and this world will pass away. He warns us not to become too comfortable here, unless it is a comfort in knowing and doing the Lord’s will.
During this First Week of Advent, let’s renew our resolve to be conformed to the image of Christ.
