Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
The last time my family and I were vacationing at the beach, I watched my son build structures in the sand that would later be washed away as the tide came in. Sometimes my husband would help, but even when they built the walls higher and thicker, the water would eventually wash over and it would collapse.
I am reminded of this when I read today’s readings, especially Matthew’s gospel (7: 21-29) with the familiar passage about the two foundations. Jesus says, “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.”(v. 24) Whereas, everyone who listens to Jesus’ words but doesn’t act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. “The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” (v. 27) The key is listening and acting on Jesus’ words in order to build a solid foundation of faith.
The beginning of the gospel reading focuses on the relationship between saying and doing God’s will. If we say we are a disciple or follower of Jesus, then our actions, our lives, should reflect that. Jesus addresses the false prophets as well as those disciples who perform works in the Lord’s name but live evil lives. We are reminded that entrance into the kingdom of God is only for those who do God’s will.
The theme of the gospel message can be applied to today’s first reading (2 Kings 24: 8-17) as well. We read of the reign of Jehoiachin who “did evil in the sight of the Lord just as his forebears had done.” (v. 9) We hear of Judah being conquered by the Babylonians under Jehoiachin’s rule. Most of the rulers of Israel and Judah reported in Second Kings violated God’s law and, therefore, were considered largely responsible for the fall of the kingdoms. They did not have the solid foundation that comes from listening and acting on God’s word.
I see these readings as an invitation to look at our own spiritual foundations. It’s never too late to start building or strengthening that solid foundation like the wise man. We are all called to conversion. How is God calling us to build a stronger foundation of faith? Establishing a daily routine of scripture reading and prayerful reflection can be a great place to start. Keeping a prayer journal, sharing with others on their faith journey, praying as a family, attending weekday mass, taking quiet walks with ears and eyes open to God’s presence are some ways for us to listen, and then act on what we hear.
Jesus is challenging us to build a solid foundation of faith so that when the water and winds come (as they always do in life!), our house of faith will not collapse. By listening and acting on Jesus’ words, we strengthen our foundation and help build the Kingdom of God.
Eileen Miller