Isaiah 26:1-6Matthew 7:21, 24-27
The Gospel for today’s Mass is taken from the conclusion of Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount. Typical of Jesus’ teaching in this Gospel, the emphasis falls on not simply saying the right words but in actually doing the right thing. Thus, Jesus challenges 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.” Jesus goes on to say that the one who “listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like the wise person who built his house on rock.” A strong storm can arise and buffet this “house” but because it is built on a firm foundation, it will withstand the force of the storm, unlike the home of the foolish person who built his house on sand.
The question that is posed for us as we continue to live through this Advent is, What is the foundation on which we can build a life of meaning? Where do we put our ultimate trust?
Jesus teaches us that we are sons and daughters of God, destined not for oblivion but for eternal life. He also teaches us that we find true happiness and meaning to the extent we are willing to go beyond ourselves and to love and respect others. Such a fundamental direction in our life can bring meaning to whatever we do in our life. This foundational teaching is echoed in the other readings for today as well.
The prophet Isaiah tells us: “Trust in the Lord forever! For the Lord is an eternal Rock.” And the responsorial Psalm 118 acclaims: “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his mercy endures forever…The Lord is God, and he has given us light.”
In this season of Advent and always, Let us place our trust and hope in God, the God of infinite love revealed to us by Jesus.
Happy New Month
Fr Joseph Osho
