SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER, PRIEST (MEMORIAL)

Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the Kingdom of heaven. 

In today’s Gospel(Matthew 7:21,24-27), Jesus tells a parable of two men who have some things in common. They both built homes. They both endured storms. And they both represent people who heard Jesus’ words. The difference was that one put Jesus’ words into action while the other did not. And the one who didn’t faced ruin when the storm blew down his house.

If we are like the wise man in the parable, we will build our lives on the “rock” of Jesus (Matthew 7:24-25). And that will give us the strength and inner peace to withstand the storms of life. But exactly how can we do that?

Start with prayer. Just as you can’t have a friendship with someone you never talk to, you can’t have a relationship with Jesus without prayer. Prayer establishes a channel for us to encounter the Lord and to grow in holiness.

It’s also extremely helpful to read the Bible, listen carefully to the homilies at Mass, and take advantage of opportunities to grow in understanding our faith.

These activities are the start of a good foundation in faith, but they’re not everything. As Jesus said in today’s parable, it is by acting on his words that we create a solid, deep-rooted faith.

When we become Jesus’ eyes to notice the shy new student, we extend our ability to see Christ in every person. When we become his ears and listen to the coworker with a problem, we learn that “the Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:19). When we become his mouth by sharing conversation with a lonely neighbor or when we become his hands to make a meal for a sick friend, we strengthen not just our relationships with the people around us but with God as well. And in each instance, our foundation in Christ becomes more and more solid.

Just before sharing today’s parable, Jesus tells us to “beware of false prophets”—people who act holy but whose actions tell a different story (Matthew 7:15). That applies to us as well. Jesus doesn’t want us to limit our faith to personal devotions; he wants to see it stir our hearts to action. That’s how we build a strong, safe foundation.

“Jesus, be my Rock as I strive to practice what you preached.”

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

WORD AMONG US