Matthew 7:24-27
The Daily Office
Jesus ends his “Sermon on the Mount,” with a stark warning about the consequences of only hearing Jesus’s words, and failing to act on them. At the end of this sermon, it might help us to recall the words that Jesus implores us to act on. In other words, at the end of this sermon, let us go back to how it began, with the Beatitudes, or Blessings.
Will you actually show mercy by caring for those who are weak, either in body or soul? If so, then God will care for you. Will you actually keep your heart pure of self-centeredness, anger and prejudice? If so, then you will be ready to see God’s love amidst the pain and evil, which our news media seems to think is all there is in the world. Will you actually seek reconciliation between opponents and work for peace? If so, then your will inherit God’s promise of eternal life. Will you actually do these things, even when others call you naïve, or disloyal to the clan or the tribe? If so, then you shall see the God who suffered the same taunts, and his power, in your life and the lives of those whom you touch.
Act on all these words, and it might seem like you’re the one building on sand. But we trust that Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, is in fact the true Lord of this world and the only rock that last throughout eternity. Do you believe that? Act on it, and you will be blessed.
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