Gospel: Matthew 7:21-29
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my heavenly Father. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not speak in your name? Did we not cast out devils and perform many miracles in your name?’ Then I will tell them openly, ‘I have never known you; away from me, you evil people!’ “Therefore, anyone who hears these words of mine, and acts according to them, is like a wise man, who built his house on rock. The rain poured down, the rivers flooded, and the wind blew and struck that house. But it did not collapse, because it was built on rock. But anyone who hears these words of mine, and does not act accordingly, is like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain poured, the rivers flooded, and the wind blew and struck that house; it collapsed, and what a terrible collapse that was!”When Jesus had finished this discourse, the crowds were struck by the way he taught, because he taught with authority, unlike their teachers of the law.
Reflections
“He taught with authority.”Jesus teaches the importance of listening to the Word of God and doing God’s will. Christians are both listeners and doers.Jesus does not like glib talkers. These people love to talk more than listen. They impose themselves on others. They impress others by their eloquence and skills to entertain. They grandstand during meetings and in ordinary conversations.Jesus’ disciples should first of all be listeners. They shut their mouths and open wide their ears to allow more inspiration from God to come in to their minds and hearts. They listen to the Word of God preached to them during liturgical celebrations. They attend Bible Studies and sharing. They familiarize themselves with the Bible and the teachings of the Church.Because they listen carefully, they do exactly what is expected of them in the church or in the community. The will of God becomes clearer to them, so they do it. They apply it without creating chaos. Jesus appreciates what they are doing.Because they listen to God’s word and do it, they become strong in character and in faith. They are not easily carried away by false teachings. They can withstand crises that come along the way.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2019
