“Is this going to count for a grade?”

As a high school Spanish teacher, this question seems to echo throughout my day. I explain that although I do not grade every class activity, my students should do each task with diligence because it is a step toward a greater goal: honing communication skills and organizing knowledge. Despite my explanations, students sometimes seem to approach assignments with less effort when they realize they will not be receiving points.

I share this observation from my experience in the classroom because it fits in with a central theme of Advent: being watchful and alert as we wait with hope for the coming of the Lord. This season calls us to renewed faithfulness in both words and deeds.

It is easy to compartmentalize our lives by doing and saying the right things in public, while in our private lives we ignore God’s presence. By contrast, John came “in the way of righteousness”—he was faithful, regardless of the circumstance or who was watching. And the tax collectors and prostitutes who believed him and changed their lives are entering the kingdom of God, Jesus says. They are like the faithful son who does the will of the Father.

Our hope in the Lord’s coming informs our words and deeds, and calls us to faithfulness, regardless of the situation or who is watching. During this season of Advent, may we examine the opportunities we have each day to take steps towards the greatest goal: to do God’s will and recognize God’s presence in those around us. Perhaps today will offer us the chance to say a kind word to a colleague or a student, to put a family member’s needs before our own, or to intentionally spending time with the Lord.

Let us open ourselves to the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to approach each moment as an opportunity to fulfill God’s will in both word and deed.

Mary Pullano ‘13, ‘15M.Ed.

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