Today we meet some reluctant students, not fully open to learning the Lord’s ways. Balaam and the elders believed that they already knew the Lord’s teachings and didn’t need instruction. I guess most of us have done this and, from our own arrogance, shut out the Lord’s teachings.

Having a hunger to learn the Lord’s ways is the plea of the psalmist. Humility is a hallmark of a student willing to learn and accept what the teacher offers. We are given chances every day to learn what the Lord wants to teach us. Work and home are two excellent places of study. Today we also remember St. Lucy, a fourth-century martyr. She was a student open to learning the ways of the Lord. Following Lucy, let us we prepare for Christmas over the next 12 days by being open to learning the ways of the Lord.

—Patricia Rizzo, Esq., ’96 MA, Specialist, Gift Planning, University Advancement

2021 Advent Reflection is sponsored by Villanova University Office of Mission and Ministry

PS Prayers for all those affected by the tornado in KY.