1st Week of Advent: Thursday
Reading: Matthew 7:21, 24-27
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘It is not those who say to me, “Lord, Lord” who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven. Therefore, everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on rock. Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and hurled themselves against the house, and it did not fall: it was founded on rock. But everyone who listens to these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a stupid man who built his house on sand. Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and struck that house, and it fell; and what a fall it had!’
Reflection
Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples and reassuring them of their place in the kingdom of heaven if they do the will of God, the Father. He always respects people’s freedom to make their own choice about how they live and what destiny they wish to choose. He does not wish for anyone to be lost or to live in darkness but offers a stark warning of the consequences of sin and a life lived on spiritually sandy soil. A last-minute reprieve when the words, “Lord, Lord” ring out will not tip the balance in favour of the one who has spent a life contravening God’s law. This message is as relevant to us today as it was to the disciples. We do not walk alone because God’s Holy Spirit rests deep in our hearts to guide each action and attitude if we are open to his gentle prompting. Each one must listen for and discern the voice of the Lord each day and walk in His paths. At this Advent time, we ask for this grace and rest assured that all will be given to us for the glory of God.