Gospel Reflection for: December 05, 2024
Daily Gospel Reading: Matthew 7:21, 24-27 NRSVCE
In Matthew 7:21, 24-27, Jesus tells a story about two builders. One builds his house on solid rock, and the other builds his house on sand. When the storms come – the rain, the floods, the wind – the house on the rock stands firm, but the house on the sand collapses. It’s a simple story, but it teaches us a powerful lesson about how we build our lives.
1. More Than Just Talk
Jesus says that not everyone who calls him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. It’s not enough to just say we believe in Jesus; we need to live like we believe in him. It’s like saying you’re a great swimmer but never actually getting in the water.
- We all have those moments when our actions don’t match our words. Maybe we say we value honesty, but we gossip about our friends. Or maybe we talk about being generous, but we struggle to give to those in need. This passage challenges us to be authentic in our faith, to let our actions reflect our beliefs.
2. The Foundation Matters
The wise builder in the story digs down deep and builds his house on solid rock. The foolish builder takes a shortcut and builds his house on sand. When the storms come, the difference is clear.
- Think about your own life. What are you building your life on? Is it a foundation of faith, of values, of relationships that will last? Or are you building on things that are temporary and unstable – popularity, possessions, or fleeting pleasures?
3. Weathering the Storms
Life throws us curveballs, doesn’t it? We face challenges, setbacks, and unexpected storms – illness, job loss, relationship problems, or even just those days when everything seems to go wrong. This story reminds us that when we build our lives on Jesus’ teachings, we have a foundation that can withstand any storm.
- Imagine a tree with deep roots. It can withstand strong winds and heavy rain because its roots are firmly planted in the ground. In the same way, when our lives are rooted in Christ, we have the strength to face any challenge.
4. Hearing and Doing
Jesus emphasizes that it’s not enough to just hear his words; we need to act on them. It’s like reading a cookbook but never actually cooking anything. We need to put Jesus’ teachings into practice in our daily lives.
- Think about a skill you’ve learned – maybe playing an instrument, learning a new language, or mastering a sport. You didn’t get good at it just by reading about it, did you? You had to practice, to put in the effort, to apply what you learned. It’s the same with our faith. We need to actively live out Jesus’ teachings if we want to grow and mature in our relationship with Him.
A Prayer for a Strong Foundation:
God, help us to build our lives on the solid rock of your Word. May our actions reflect our beliefs, and may our faith be a source of strength and stability in the midst of life’s storms. Teach us to hear your words and to put them into practice, that we may stand firm in your love and grace. Amen.
Remember: Life can be unpredictable, but when we build our lives on Jesus, we have a foundation that can never be shaken. Let’s choose to follow him wholeheartedly, to live out his teachings, and to trust in his promises, knowing that he is our rock and our salvation.
May God bless you as you share His love, and may His love guide you in every step you take.
Amen.