Mt 7:21, 24-27
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.
“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!”
REFLECTION
Today’s first reading tells us of the solidness of a city from a community perspective. On the other hand, the Gospel tells us of personal firmness. The image of the “rock” is always in the background.
Let us question ourselves about our Christian building. In fact, to build a house throughout life is a very biblical metaphor. Day by day, stone by stone we are preparing our eternal mansion. How can it be sound? What wise counsel do we follow for its soundness? The proposition of Jesus is simple and clear: hear his words and act accordingly. This should be enough to construct on rock. “No one can lay a foundation other than the one which is already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (I Cor 3:11). Yes, in Him, our dwelling takes the strength of eternity. Rain, rivers and wind, i.e. all kind of temptations and struggles can strike that house, but it will not collapse. Paul uses the image of fire. The conclusion is always the same. We must build not on sand but on rock. Not with wood, bamboo or straw, but with silver and precious stones. That should be the temple of the Holy Spirit within us so it will last forever.
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