Matthew 7:21-29 NRSVue

²¹“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. ²²On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ ²³Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; go away from me, you who behave lawlessly.’

²⁴“Everyone, then, who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. ²⁵The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall because it had been founded on rock. ²⁶And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ²⁷The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!”

²⁸Now when Jesus had finished saying these words, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, ²⁹for he taught them as one having authority and not as their scribes.

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Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
You see charismatic preachers who can rouse a whole congregation to wave their arms, pray with tongues and chant in ecstasy. That is a blessing, a gift of God that lifts us out of ourselves. But it is empty and false if our lives do not reflect the Gospel, if we do not hear Jesus’ words and act on them.

Reflection
The word of God is a constant of support and enlightenment in life. Jesus' wisdom is a rock of truth from which we can make decisions and commitments in life. To read slowly the word of God in prayer each day is to place ourselves on that solid footing which will give us both insight and compassion in all we do in our lives.

Reflection
I may sometimes call Jesus, 'Lord'; I remember his telling me that I am not a servant but a friend. I take care that my prayer doesn't become a matter of dutiful routine but is time to be present with my companion.

Reflection
It may be difficult to know if I am doing the will of God but, as I lay my life before God now, I am open to learning more of God’s desire for me. I receive the strength to work with God to change what I need to.