Who shall stand?

Today, two days before Christmas, the first reading (Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24) gives us more prophecies of the Lord’s coming, but they do not sound like tidings of comfort and joy:

Yes, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.
But who will endure the day of his coming?
And who can stand when he appears?
For he is like the refiner’s fire...

It raises the question: how can we – imperfect and sinful – stand before God, who is perfect and all-seeing?

It is impossible for us but nothing is impossible for God.

God judges, but God also purifies by grace.

May we open ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ – in humility and contrition – and let ourselves be purified by his love and grace.