Daily Gospel Reflection for June 26, 2014

Today's Gospel: Matthew 7:21-29

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the man who built his house on rock. Because it was built on a solid foundation, the rain and wind could not destroy it. On the other hand, the man who built his house on sand lost it because the foundation was washed out from under it. Jesus calls this man a fool.

So, why did our Lord tell this parable? He told it because he knew that there would be many to come along who would claim to be his followers but instead were imposters. He knew that there would be many who would talk the talk but not walk the walk, the half-hearted ones who like to call themselves Christians only when it’s convenient. He wanted his disciples to be much more than that.

He wants us to be much more than that, too. He wants our faith to be built on rock, not sand. For that, we need a solid foundation of faith and teaching to fortify ourselves against the winds of godlessness and the torrents of deception. 

Although it’s not been officially interpreted as such, I like to think of the rock foundation of Jesus’ parable as a symbol of “the Rock” – St. Peter, the first Pope. Jesus promised Peter that, “upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” (Mt 16:18) We need to build our house, our faith, on a solid foundation – the Church – so that we aren’t swept away by the winds and rains when they come.

Ponder:

What is the foundation for my faith? How seriously and consistently do I follow the teaching of the Church?

Pray:

Lord, I like to think of my faith as strong, but I know that it has its weaknesses. Please help me to replace the sand with rock so that I can be strong against the winds and rains when they come.

Copyright 2014 Marge Fenelon