“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them
Matthew 7:24
will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.”
Reflection
Jesus tells his disciples that not everyone who calls him “Lord” will enter the Kingdom of heaven. Those who listen to his words and act on them will be like a person who builds their house on rock and it is not destroyed, despite floods and wind. The person who doesn’t act on Jesus’ words is like someone who builds their house on sand, and it subsequently collapses after rain and wind buffet it.
Jesus is the cornerstone. We must build our faith on him, the rock. That way, even amidst temptations and struggles, our faith won’t break; we can stay strong. In order for this to happen, we must act upon Jesus’ words, not merely listen.
Anyone can listen to a person speak, but if they do not live out those words, like Jesus’ teachings, then all their listening means nothing. In this world, we are often scared to live out Christ’s teachings, because they appear to be countercultural or offensive to someone. Yet we know that Jesus’ way is the only truth, and fear should not stop us. If our foundation of faith is built upon Christ, then persecutions will not shake us.
Reflect on how you can both listen and act upon our Lord’s words today.
Saint of the Day
St. John Damascene: ca. AD 676 – 749
| “God, however, did not leave us in absolute ignorance. For the knowledge of God’s existence has been implanted by Him in all by nature. This creation, too, and its maintenance, and its government, proclaim the majesty of the Divine nature.” An Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, St. John Damascene |
The Healing Word 