“Everyone who listens to these
words of mine and acts on them
will be like a wise man
who built his house on rock."
(Matthew 7:21-29)
True security comes from a genuine relationship with Christ. Jesus emphasizes that merely calling Him “Lord” is not enough. True discipleship involves doing the will of the Father. Our faith must be reflected in our actions and obedience to God’s commands. In examining our own lives and faith. Are we truly living according to God’s will, or are we merely professing faith without genuine commitment? Self-reflection helps us ensure that our faith is authentic and not self-deceptive.
The parable of the wise and foolish builders illustrates the importance of building our lives on the solid foundation of Jesus’ teachings. When we apply His words in our lives, we can withstand life’s challenges and remain steadfast in our faith. Many will claim to have done great works in His name but will be turned away because they did not truly know Him.
The passage concludes with the crowd’s amazement at Jesus’ authority. This reminds us of the power and authority of His words, encouraging us to take His teachings seriously and apply them in our lives.
21 Jesus said 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. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ 23 Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’ 24 “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. 26 And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. 27 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” 28 When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. (Matthew 7:21-29)
True security comes from Christ alone, Not just in words, but actions shown. To call Him “Lord” is not enough, Our faith must be in deeds, not bluff. True discipleship, the Father’s will, In obedience, our hearts are still. Reflecting on our lives each day, Are we walking in His way? The wise and foolish builders’ tale, On solid rock, we must prevail. Applying Jesus’ words so true, In life’s storms, He sees us through. Great works in His name, some will claim, Yet without knowing Him, it’s all in vain. His authority, the crowd amazed, In His teachings, our lives are raised. So let us heed His words with care, In every moment, everywhere. For true security, we find, In Christ alone, heart and mind.
Lord Jesus, our true security, We come before You with humility. Not just in words, but in our deeds, Help us to follow where Your Spirit leads. You remind us, calling You “Lord” is not enough, True discipleship requires more than just a bluff. May our faith be reflected in actions true, In obedience to the Father’s will, we pursue. As we examine our lives and faith each day, Guide us to walk in Your righteous way. Help us to live according to Your will, With genuine commitment, our hearts to fill. Like the wise builder on solid ground, In Your teachings, may our lives be found. When life’s challenges come our way, Keep us steadfast, come what may. Many may claim great works in Your name, But without knowing You, it’s all in vain. Grant us the grace to truly know You, In every moment, in all we do. Your authority, the crowd amazed, In Your power, our hearts are raised. Help us to take Your words to heart, And from Your teachings, never depart. Lord Jesus, we seek Your face, In Your love and truth, we find our place. Guide us, lead us, every day, In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
8 Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Nehushta, daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. 9 He did evil in the sight of the Lord, just as his forebears had done. 10 At that time the officials of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, attacked Jerusalem, and the city came under siege. 11 Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, himself arrived at the city while his servants were besieging it. 12 Then Jehoiachin, king of Judah, together with his mother, his ministers, officers, and functionaries, surrendered to the king of Babylon, who, in the eighth year of his reign, took him captive. 13 And he carried off all the treasures of the temple of the Lord and those of the palace, and broke up all the gold utensils that Solomon, king of Israel, had provided in the temple of the Lord, as the Lord had foretold. 14 He deported all Jerusalem: all the officers and men of the army, ten thousand in number, and all the craftsmen and smiths. None were left among the people of the land except the poor. 15 He deported Jehoiachin to Babylon, and also led captive from Jerusalem to Babylon the king’s mother and wives, his functionaries, and the chief men of the land. 16 The king of Babylon also led captive to Babylon all seven thousand men of the army, and a thousand craftsmen and smiths, all of them trained soldiers. 17 In place of Jehoiachin, the king of Babylon appointed his uncle Mattaniah king, and changed his name to Zedekiah. (2 Kings 24:8-17)
God is in ultimate control over all events in our lives. Evil practices and continuing to sin is disobedience to God that leads to serious consequences and downfall. There is a need for genuine repentance and turning away from sin. God has not forgotten His promises. This encourages us to hold onto hope and trust in God’s faithfulness, even in difficult times. We should depend on God rather than our own resources. Let us remain humble and rely always on God for our needs.
In the tapestry of life, God weaves each thread, His sovereign hand guides all, from dawn till bed. Evil may tempt, and sin may call, But disobedience leads to a grievous fall. Repentance is the path, turning from sin, A heart renewed, where grace begins. God’s promises stand, unbroken, true, In His faithfulness, we find strength anew. When trials come and shadows loom, Hold onto hope, dispel the gloom. Depend not on self, but on God’s might, In His provision, find pure delight. Humble hearts, in reverence bow, Trust in God, for He knows how. In every need, in every plea, God’s love sustains, eternally.
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that You are in ultimate control over all events in our lives. We confess that evil practices and continuing in sin are acts of disobedience that lead to serious consequences and downfall. We come before You with hearts seeking genuine repentance, turning away from our sins and seeking Your forgiveness. Thank You, Lord, for Your unwavering promises. In times of difficulty, help us to hold onto hope and trust in Your faithfulness. Remind us to depend on You rather than our own resources, knowing that You provide for all our needs. Grant us humility, Lord, to rely always on Your wisdom and guidance. May we live lives that honor You, reflecting Your love and grace to those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Devastation and suffering is a direct result of the people’s disobedience and sin. This serves as a reminder for us of the serious consequences of turning away from God and the need for repentance and seeking God’s grace in times of distress. We should plea for God’s mercy and forgiveness and trust in God’s unchanging nature and His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak. Let us acknowledge God’s sovereignty, even in difficult and painful circumstances seeking His comfort and healing.
1 O God, the nations have come into your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple, they have laid Jerusalem in ruins. 2 They have given the corpses of your servants as food to the birds of heaven, the flesh of your faithful ones to the beasts of the earth. (R) 3 They have poured out their blood like water round about Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury them. 4 We have become the reproach of our neighbors, the scorn and derision of those around us. 5 O Lord, how long? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire? (R) 8 Remember not against us the iniquities of the past; may your compassion quickly come to us, for we are brought very low. (R) 9 Help us, O God our savior, because of the glory of your name; deliver us and pardon our sins for your name’s sake. (Psalm 79:1-2, 3-5, 8, 9)
In times of sorrow, pain, and strife, when darkness clouds the path of life, We see the fruits of sin’s cruel hand, a broken, weary, suffering land. Disobedience brings its toll, a heavy burden on the soul, yet in this anguish, we must see, a call to turn, repent, and plea. For God’s grace in times of need, His mercy, like a gentle seed, can bloom within our hearts anew, and guide us with a love so true. Though circumstances may seem bleak, His promises we still must seek, for God is constant, never changing, His love and care, ever arranging. In sovereignty, He holds us tight, through darkest days and longest night, so let us seek His comfort, healing, in every prayer, in every feeling.
Devastation and suffering, a heavy toll, from disobedience, sin takes its role. a reminder stark, of consequences dire, when we turn from God, and quench His fire. In times of distress, we must repent, seek His grace, our hearts lament. Plea for mercy, forgiveness true, trust in His promises, ever new. Though circumstances may seem bleak, God’s unchanging nature we seek. His sovereignty, in pain and strife, comfort and healing, in every life. Let us acknowledge His mighty hand, in every trial, understand. His love endures, His grace prevails, in every storm, His peace entails.
Heavenly Father, In times of devastation and suffering, we come before You, acknowledging that these trials are often the result of our disobedience and sin. We are reminded of the serious consequences of turning away from You, and we humbly seek Your grace in these moments of distress. Lord, we plea for Your mercy and forgiveness. Cleanse our hearts and renew our spirits. Help us to trust in Your unchanging nature and Your promises, even when our circumstances seem bleak and overwhelming. We acknowledge Your sovereignty, O God, even in the midst of difficult and painful situations. We seek Your comfort and healing, knowing that You are always with us, guiding and sustaining us. Grant us the strength to repent sincerely and to turn back to You with all our hearts. May Your love and grace fill our lives, bringing peace and restoration. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom
THE TRUE DISCIPLE/ THE TWO FOUNDATIONS
Matthew 7:21-23/24-29
First Reading
V: The Kingdom of Judah after 721 B.C.
REIGN OF JEHOIACHIN
2 Kings 24:8-17
Responsorial Psalm
Third Book of Psalms 73-89
A PRAYER FOR JERUSALEM
Psalm 79:1-13
Related Blogs:
https://willofthelordinyourlife.blogspot.com/2024/06/do-will-of-father.html
https://thepathofrepentance.blogspot.com/2024/06/god-sees.html
https://healthisbrokenland.blogspot.com/2024/06/help-us.html
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
