Daily Gospel Reflection for December 3, 2015

Today's Gospel: Matthew 7:21, 24-27

Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, Priest

“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.”

At first those seem like harsh words from Jesus. Am I not a good Catholic if I can recite Bible verses, go to church every Sunday, write Gospel reflections? While all those things are good, they are not enough. I have to put my money where my mouth is, so to speak. I have to practice what I preach.

To enter the kingdom of Heaven, I have to live a virtuous life, not just speak about the virtues. I have to be consistent in my words and in my actions, no matter how difficult the circumstances and no matter how great the condemnation from the secular world.

“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22)

Ponder:

When you say you are a follower of Christ, will those who see your actions believe you?

Pray:

Lord, make me a doer of Your word and not just a hearer. Make me faithful and true in good times and in bad.

We thank our friends at The Word Among Us for providing our gospel reflection team with copies of Abide In My Word 2015: Mass Readings at Your Fingertips. To pray the daily gospels with this wonderful resource, visit The Word Among Us.

Copyright 2015 Terry McDermott