Readings: 2 Kings 24.8-17; Psalm 78/79; Matthew 7.21-29
The fall of Jerusalem, the destruction of the Temple and the excile of the people of Judah is a powerful illustration of what Jesus teaches in the gospel reading. A house built on sand will not stand in time of trouble.
The behaviour of the people and their unfaithfulness to the terms of the covenant had undermined the foundations of their relationship with God. People might continue to use the proper words, to call out 'Lord, Lord' in their prayers and devotions. But where is their heart, for that is where their real treasure is.
Even to. be the Mother of the Messiah, we are told elsewhere in the gospels, does not measure up to the condition of a person who hears the Word of God and acts on it (Matthew 12.50). Of course Mary had done that. Jesus is saying that this is how she built her house on rock, not simply by being the recipient of particular privileges of grace but 'blessed rather for being one who heard the Word of God and acted on it' (Luke 11.27-28). This is what it means to be great in the kingdom of Christ: not just hearing, not just believing what is heard, but actively putting it into practice.
The people are deeply impressed by the teaching of Jesus. He teaches with authority, knows what he is talking about. But even to reach that point is not yet where he wants his disciples to be. To be impressed by his teaching might be just another way of saying 'Lord, Lord'. What is needed is action. The compassion and inspiration generated. in us by Jesus's words and example must find their way from our guts to our heart and on to our hands. That is if we want to build our house on rock.
What Jesus teaches here is mirrored by Saint Paul in his great hymn to love (1 Corinthians 13). You may prophesy in my name, you may cast out demons in my name, you may work many miracles in my name but ... but what? If you are without love, Paul conclude it is all worth nothing. If you do not hear my words and act on them it is all to no avail.
Jesus taught with authority, not just for the knowledge he showed and the truth in his teaching but also because his teaching reached to the root, the foundation of a human life. It was authoritative because it was radical in this sense. What is your intention in how you live? What is your motivation? And do your intentions find their fulfilment in action? Is your being impressed by the teaching of Jesus such that you have the capacity not just to hear it and to approve but to act on what you hear, to allow it to form your thoughts, determine your words, and guide your actions? Do you have in you the love you need if your house is to be built on rock?
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