Homily for Thursday of the 1st Week of Advent

We can all relate to Jesus's weather metaphors in today's Gospel. He talks about rain, floods, and winds—concepts that are easy to understand. Living in New England, we can add snow to that list and still grasp the message Jesus conveys.

Beyond the weather, we all experience personal storms, regardless of where we live. We may find ourselves grappling with life's challenges, facing difficulties and obstacles that seem insurmountable.

Jesus warns us that storms will come, but He wants to help us overcome them. When these storms arrive, we can either feel helpless and be tossed about or find the strength to stand firm and move beyond them.

Jesus wants to be our rock during these turbulent times. If we listen to and follow His teachings, we can remain safe even when the storms rage around us. He reminds us of the importance of doing God's will and encourages us to consistently return to that focal point. By doing so, we can endure any storm we encounter.