Builidng our house on "The Rock

Today's Mass Readings

Despite the fact that we do it all the time, it is the nature of our modern society to be uncomfortable about seeming to exclude others. Today’s readings then present a difficulty for us. In the first passage, the song from Isaiah describes a city of protection, with walls and ramparts, and gates that open up to let in a nation that is just (Is 26:1-2). This implies that other nations are excluded, and, the passage describes, the Lord tumbles the lofty city and lets the poor trample it. The gospel passage also reflects exclusion. Jesus says to his disciples, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my father in heaven” (Mt 7:21). And yet, exclusion is NOT the central message of our faith. Rather it is the invitation to be included that is most important in today’s readings. Those who trust in the Lord, who have the Lord as their rock, sings the Isaiah passage, will be enclosed in the safe and protected city. Jesus also makes the connection with the rock, saying that they who listen to him and hear his words will be like the wise man who built his home on a rock. That man’s home can take great storms and yet he will be protected because he has built his home on rock.

During this season of Advent, let us strive to build our lives on the rock of Jesus Christ. We are all invited to step into the love of the Lord, to be included in the safe and protected city, to live in the safe and protected house. In so doing, may we reflect the words of today’s psalm, taking refuge in the Lord, rather than in men or in princes. Let us wait expectantly for God to open to us the gates of justice: may he grant salvation and prosperity to us and then we will be blessed! “The Lord is God and he has given us light!” (Ps 118:27).

Today, just today, in every situation we face, let us strive to do the will of the Father (Mt 7:21). Let us build our lives on "The Rock" by making choices that are in accord with the God's will. (Mt 7:24). This is the best preparation for Christmas.

- Maria Morrow