24 “So, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on bedrock. 25 The rain fell, the rivers flooded, the winds blew and beat against that house, but it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a stupid man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain fell, the rivers flooded, the wind blew and beat against that house, and it collapsed — and its collapse was horrendous!”
Saint Francis Xavier, Priest (Memorial)It had been set solidly on rock. (Matthew 7:25)
Jesus’ listeners had no problem understanding his parable about houses built on sand and rock. Throughout Palestine, torrential rains often fell from November through April, washing away houses that were not solidly built. But how can we in the twenty-first century relate this story to our lives? By examining ways to build our spiritual home on solid ground.
First, we should be careful to build on Jesus himself. He is the only solid ground we can find. This means embracing the truths of who he is and what he has done for us—all the truths contained in our creed.
Next, we should be careful to use just the right materials in building our home—and use them in the right way. This means developing our gifts and talents in a way that glorifies the Lord and doesn’t just serve our own demands and desires. It means spending time in prayer and Scripture, asking the Holy Spirit to mold us into the image of Christ.
Finally, we can consider the neighborhood where we are building this home by looking at our relationships. Does our kindness build up our friends? Are we taking the right steps in caring for the poor and the unwanted? What about serving the Church? If we have established the right network of friends and activities, we’ll be much safer than if we try to go it alone.
If all of this sounds like a lot, remember that building a house is not an overnight project. You take it brick by brick, going one step at a time. Just remember that the more you develop these three areas—embracing Jesus, using the right materials, and caring for other people—the stronger your foundation will be.
Remember, too, that you are not the only one building your house! If you stay faithful in prayer, you’ll find Jesus himself with a hard hat on and a tool belt around his waist helping you every step of the way!
“Jesus, you are my cornerstone. Help me to build a solid house founded on faith and trust in you. Lord, I want to be your hands and feet in this world.” Amen!
Isaiah 26:1 On that day this song will be sung
in the land of Y’hudah:
“We have a strong city!
He has built walls and ramparts for our safety.
2 Open the gates! Let the righteous nation enter,
a nation that keeps faith!
3 “A person whose desire rests on you
you preserve in perfect peace,
because he trusts in you.
4 Trust in Adonai forever,
because in Yah Adonai,
is a Rock of Ages.”
5 For he has humbled those in high places,
levelling the lofty city,
levelling it to the ground,
laying it in the dust.
6 It is trampled underfoot by the feet of the poor,
by the footsteps of the needy.
Psalm 118:1 Give thanks to Adonai; for he is good,
for his grace continues forever.
8 It is better to take refuge in Adonai
than to trust in human beings;
9 better to take refuge in Adonai
than to put one’s trust in princes.
19 Open the gates of righteousness for me;
I will enter them and thank Yah.
20 This is the gate of Adonai;
the righteous can enter it.
21 I am thanking you because you answered me;
you became my salvation.
25 Please, Adonai! Save us!
Please, Adonai! Rescue us!
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of Adonai.
We bless you from the house of Adonai.
27 Adonai is God, and he gives us light.
Join in the pilgrim festival with branches
all the way to the horns of the altar.
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