Thursday 26^th June – Thursday of week 12 of the year

Reflection: Matthew 7: 21-29

DOING THE FATHER’S WILL

In an era when almost everyone happens to be “Christian” one would wonder why Jesus says that “narrow is the gate that leads to life, and only a few find it” (cf Matthew 7: 14). If almost everyone in the neighbourhood, in school, at work etc is a Christian, then is there more to attaining eternal life than professing the Christian faith? Is there more to do in order to get to Heaven than going to Church, fellowship etc?

While all these practices are good, Jesus points out in today’s reading that we must go beyond them. We must do the will of His Father in Heaven if we seek to enter His Kingdom. How much of the lessons learnt from Scriptures do you put to practice in your daily life? Do you make constant effort to do God’s will in all circumstances? Christ likens the man who is obedient to His Word to a wise man who builds his house on rock and the building stands firm in the face of the storm. Participating in and receiving the Eucharist worthily is an act of obedience to Christ (Luke 22:19; John 6:53). Let us in addition live out the demands of the Eucharist: a life of thanksgiving, love and evangelisation.

Let us seek to put to practice what we learn as we listen to and study God’s word. As we do this, we will grow in holiness and receive the grace to stand firm even in the face of temptation.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, please help me to do Your will always. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 1970 – The law of the Gospel requires us to make the decisive choice between the “two ways” and to put into practice the words of the Lord. It is summed up in the Golden Rule, “Whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; this is the law and the Prophets.”

The entire Law of the Gospel is contained in the “new commandment” of Jesus, to love one another as He has loved us.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven” Matthew 7:21 RSV-CE

Readings for today: 2 Kings 24: 8-17; Psalm 79: 1-5, 8-9; Matthew 7: 21-29