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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Reflection on Matthew 7:21-29
Inspiration from 2025-06-26 Daily Prayer
Unfortunately, far too many people build not only their houses but also their lives on very poor foundations. As Christians, we are invited to build our lives on the rock that is Christ. St Paul reminds us that God has said, ‘For I will never forsake you or fail you’ (Hebrews 13:5). If our lives are firmly placed on this foundation then no storms or difficulties can defeat us. Let us pray for this great grace.
Further 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.
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.
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.
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.