Today's Gospel reading contains a pair of injunctions not just to hear Jesus' words, but to act upon them too. It reminds me of the old joke about the young cleric who thought he saw Jesus sitting in the side chair in his study. He called his Rector, who wasn't sure what to do, so he called the Bishop. The Bishop heard him out, and then said, "Look busy."

When Jesus comes again, he should find us faithfully doing his work. Mere busy-ness won't do, but the loving action that comes from being attentive to God's Word, and diligently following the call.

In this season, people often say to me, "you must be very busy," and I have to answer truthfully that I am. But I wonder if everything I find myself doing is really God's work, and not just the "busy work" of a season that can lose sight of its reason for being. That is certainly true outside the church. Is it also true within? At times, yes -- and that is to our discredit.

Keeping Advent is a challenge, when everyone else seems to be keeping Christmas. But the bigger challenge is that of seeking to know and to do God's will daily. Is my house built on the rock of God's word? There is no better season than this to reflect on that question, as we prepare once again to make a home for the Incarnate Word of God.

Jesus is coming!
Be busy at his work.