The Lord is an eternal rock — Unless your faith is firm, you shall not be firm.

The readings of today place before us a striking contrast between two ways of living: the way of firm faith, rooted in God’s stability, and the way of fragile foundations built on human strength. At the background of our first reading from Isaiah, we hear the ancient echo of strife between two symbolic cities—Jerusalem and Babylon—an image that runs throughout Scripture (cf. Rev 18:21). These cities are not simply geographical locations; they represent the ongoing spiritual struggle between good and evil, fidelity and rebellion, trust and self-reliance. Into this tension, Isaiah proclaims hope: “On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah: A strong city have we; he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us.” The prophet speaks of a city defended not by human engineering alone but by God Himself. “A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace, for its trust is in you.” Isaiah knew the fear of his people, who heard constant reports of surrounding cities falling in the northern kingdom. Their survival depended not merely on military strategy but on trusting the Lord, who alone could be their rampart. Brothers and sisters, today we understand even more clearly the horror of war—destruction, displacement, and death. Yet despite this knowledge, our world, and often our own lives, remain marked by indifference, conflict, and division. We desire peace, but we often resist the hard work of building it. Real peace begins not in global treaties but in the relationships closest to us—in our homes, families, parishes, communities, and friendships. If we cannot build peace with those who live under the same roof, how can we hope for it among nations? Isaiah’s prophecy invites us to see the Church as that “strong city,” a spiritual community meant to offer refuge and stability. But we must ask ourselves honestly: Is the Church truly our security? When our faith is challenged, when family values are ridiculed, when cultural and moral foundations shake, where do we turn? Do we hide behind criticism, cynicism, or self-reliance? Or do we lean on the Lord who speaks through His Church, even when she is wounded or imperfect? Jesus in today’s Gospel warns us that only those who “hear the word of God and act on it” build their house on rock. Storms will come—confusion, temptation, spiritual dryness, injustice, misunderstandings—but those whose faith is firm will remain standing. Those who build on sand—on feelings, opinions, convenience, or worldly logic—will not withstand the flood. Advent is a season of strengthening foundations. The Lord invites us again to root our lives in Him, the eternal Rock. Let us open the gates of our hearts so that He may enter with peace. Let us ask Him to be our wall and rampart—protecting our families, guarding our communities, and shielding our world from the evil that seeks to destroy. May St. John Damascene, defender of the faith intercede for us today. May the Lord keep us firm in faith, steadfast in hope, and tireless in building peace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.