Gospel for Thursday 12/04 the First Week of Lent.

Matthew 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 then who hears 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 beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell–and great was its fall!”

REFLECTION

My husband and I have done a lot of home improvements, so this Gospel really spoke to me.  If you’ve done a major project you know…you can’t cut corners.  The damage may not be immediate, but sooner or later, it will catch up to you.

When houses go up no one cares about the foundation.  You notice the walls, the roof, the windows, doors and interior elements.  Dare we say we “take for granted” the foundation until it is put to the test.

Also, note how both men heard Jesus’ words.  What determined the wise from the foolish was putting them into practice.  I think this sentiment is expressed in several places in the bible but is best summed up in James 2:17 “…faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

It isn’t enough to show up to mass and punch the clock, get our receipt (aka the bulletin) and roll on.  If faith without works is dead, then faith with works is alive!  Putting Jesus’ words into action is not only wise, but absolutely necessary!

So, time to take stock of your foundation.  Is it solid, or could it use a little shoring up? If you’re already involved in our vibrant parish the next big plank in your foundation may be inviting others to join in.  If you could up your game a little research the ministries, pray over it and hear God’s call.

People who work on their own home are called “DIY-ers” the beauty of working on our foundation of faith is that we don’t do it ourselves.  Phil 4:13 “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”.  Build that strong foundation and welcome Christ this advent and always – Come Lord Jesus Come!

Joyce Osowski