WE ARE TO BE TRUSTWORTHY
Jesus tells everyone the parable of where and how to build life, and stresses the importance of acting on His words.
In the Book of Proverbs we read, “When the tempest passes, the wicked man is no more; but the just man is established forever” (Prv 10:25). Today’s readings from Matthew’s Gospel bring us to the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus tells everyone the parable of where and how to build life, and stresses the importance of acting on His words. When Jesus Christ talks about these words He is summarizing everything that He has spoken about in the Sermon.
The Sermon on the Mount is the very blueprint for us to build a life of faith in God. “These words” include blessings of the poor in spirit, the meek, and the merciful. “These words” warn us not to lord it over others. The Sermon on the Mount teaches us how to pray and how to give fully of ourselves. Jesus speaks boldly about not judging others so that we will not be judged. “These words” remind us to love our enemies. They are very difficult and challenging words to follow, but that is what it means to be a Christian.
We are to build our lives upon God’s plans, not our own! The wisdom of our heavenly Father, God made flesh in Jesus Christ, is the true blueprint for a life of faith! Trusting Jesus and His word, we find ourselves in a house that will endure any storm and that will last forever. In the Responsorial Psalm for today’s reflection we hear: “Blessed are they who observe what is right, who do always what is just” (Ps 106:4b-5).
God gives what is good. Fine words can never replace good deeds. Our character is revealed in the choices we make, especially when we must choose between what is true and false, good and bad. A true person is honest and reliable before our heavenly Father, neighbor, and oneself.
We are to be trustworthy!