1-Dec-16

Gospel MT 7:21, 24-27

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’
will enter the Kingdom of heaven,
but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them
will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.
And everyone who listens to these words of mine
but does not act on them
will be like a fool who built his house on sand.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”

Reflection:

In our daily travels, we regularly pass by construction sites without a second glance. The next time you pass by one, slow down a bit and observe.

You'll notice that although there is much activity in the early stages of construction, there doesn't appear to be much progress being made. That's because a great deal of time and attention is being given to what must take place below ground.

Trenches are being dug and forms put in place so the concrete can be poured to create a strong foundation for the building to stand upon.

"Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them
will be like a wise man who built his house on rock."

Jesus tells us clearly the strength of the foundation of our Christian life is determined not by our words but by our actions.

So, how should we act in order to build a strong foundation that will support our Christian life?

Jesus told us in Luke 6: 27-36:

"But I say to you that listen,
Love your enemies,
do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you,
pray for those who abuse you.

If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also;
and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again.

Do to others as you would have them do to you.

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.
If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.
If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return.

Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."

If we construct a weak foundation when building a structure, there is no way to correct the mistake. The foundation must be torn out and rebuilt.

But, with Jesus it is never too late to "rebuild" our foundation.

"Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility." - - Saint Augustine