SAINT AMBROSE, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (MEMORIAL)

Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 

Earthquakes, hurricanes, mudslides, and wildfires. We’ve all seen images of such extreme weather events. And while not all of us have had firsthand experience of such disasters, we’ve all had to endure the inevitable “storms” of life. Difficulties like chronic illness, unemployment, complicated family relationships, and addictions can surely feel like a torrential downpour or an overpowering wind. We might even find ourselves asking, Where is Jesus in all of this?

But if we have built our lives on Jesus, then he is our solid foundation. So even if we don’t feel his presence amid the turbulence and uncertainty, we need to do as he says in today’s Gospel—we need to listen to his words and act on them (Matthew 7:24). That’s true before a storm hits, but it’s also important when we are right in the middle of one.

One of the best ways to put Jesus’ advice into practice when we are experiencing trials is to spend more time in prayer. No doubt, it’s harder to pray when we are anxious and discouraged. But as we sit with the Lord and persevere, he may point us to a word in Scripture that we can hold onto. He may gently show us areas in our lives that need to change. He may also shift our perspective on a particular issue, increasing our ability to handle it more peacefully. In all these ways, we are listening to the Lord’s words and then acting on them.

Jesus assures us that we will not collapse amid storms if we have set ourselves solidly on the rock of his love and mercy. So when these storms of life threaten to overtake you, try to regain your footing. Allow the Lord to remind you that you have built your foundation on him, your rock and safety. He is full of mercy and compassion; he knows full well your situation. So turn to him, and feel the stable ground of his love beneath your feet.

“Lord Jesus, you are the rock of my salvation! Help me to cling to you in every storm.”

Isaiah 26:1-6
Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27
Matthew 7:21, 24-27