A Reflection on the Daily Gospel by Fr. Livingstone
Thursday, June 25, 2020
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Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom Heaven, but only those who do the will of my heavenly Father. When the day comes, many will say to me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and in your name perform many miracles?” Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Out of my sight; your deeds are evil!” “So whoever hears these words of mine and acts on them is like a man who had the sense to build his house on rock. The rain came down, the floods rose, the winds blew and beat upon that house; but it did not fall, because its foundations were on rock. And whoever hears these words of mine and does not act on them is like a man who was foolish enough to build his house on sand. The rain came down, the floods rose, the winds blew and battered against that house; and it fell with a great crash.” When Jesus had finished this discourse the people were amazed at his teaching; unlike their scribes he taught with a note of authority.
What is the significance of this story for us? The kind of foundation we build our lives upon will determine whether we can survive the storms and trials of life that are sure to come into our life. Jesus warns us about fooling others with our words. Fine words can never replace good deeds. Our character is revealed in the choices we make, especially when we must choose between what is true and what is false, what is good and what is evil. There is only one way in which a person’s sincerity can be proved, and that is by one’s practice.
What can keep us from falsehood and spiritual disaster is?
If we make the Lord Jesus and his word the rock and foundation of our life, then nothing can shake us or keep us from God’s presence and protection.
Is the Lord Jesus Christ and his word the one sure foundation of your life?
