It is easy to utter the word "Lord." Anyone can do it. But to act on the Words of the Lord is something that only a few can accomplish. Acting on Jesus' words is the foundation of human life.
As a fisherman, foundational sea knowledge is essential in surviving the sea's challenges, especially when weather conditions are not favorable. Foundational knowledge includes swimming, characteristics of the sea, wind direction, and other navigational concerns. In my experience, I was not able to perfect it all. I fell into the sea several times and got hurt in accidents. What helped me were the tips and instructions of the senior fishermen. Failing to obey their instructions and directions would cause more danger and difficulty. But no matter how difficult the situation was, we had to go out and fish because our daily survival depended on it.
Today's gospel talks about Jesus and His words as the foundation to sustain and strengthen us in life's challenges. Ignoring Christ will draw us away from Him. Without Christ, we will collapse easily when difficulties hit us. As a priest-in-process, it is challenging to build my foundation on Christ. To build this foundation means making Christ a part of my being by submitting my whole being to Him. It is not enough to just know the commandments of God. I must live it out. Moreover, it is not a one-time application but a lifelong process. As long as we live, we must adhere to His words. Only then is Christ, the foundation, truly established in our lives. And when trials come, we will not fall because Jesus is our firm foundation.
By: Sem. Niñonel M. Setosta
Today's Gospel
Matthew 7:21, 24-27
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.
"Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them
will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.
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.
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.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
And it collapsed and was completely ruined."
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