Daily Gospel Reflection for December 7, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Colleen Rooney

These words of Jesus are very plain. He tells us clearly not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. That is a frightening thought. But He goes on to explain that those who do the will of His Father will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. And to make His admonition clear, He goes on to explain.

Everyone who listens to the words of Jesus and acts on them is like the wise man or woman who builds his house on rock. Jesus gives us a simple comparison. To enter the Kingdom of Heaven, we need to listen to Jesus and then act on His words. By doing that we are secure, as secure as building a house on rock. Despite the challenges to that house (our life), it is built on rock and will enter the Kingdom.

On the other hand, those who listen to Jesus’s words – He is not saying here those who never heard His words – those who listen but do not act are fools. Their actions betray them. The houses (their lives) they are building are not secure no matter what they may think.

When reading Our Lord’s teachings, it is important to recall He is speaking to different audiences, many different people. Some who are listening to Jesus are trying sincerely to put His words into action; others who are listening to Him are not. These passages are a wake-up call to those who are not, and an invitation to pray for them. St. Therese of Lisieux prayed for the murderer on death row. We can pray for those who listen but do not practice - to “wake-up!”

Ponder:

What does Our Lord say is required to enter the Kingdom of Heaven?

Pray:

Lord, help me every day to listen to Your words and put them into practice. When I fail, correct me and encourage me to pray for myself and for others.