REFLECTION BY FR COLLINS AKHIGBE, OP
SCRIPTURAL PASSAGES: 1ST READING. ISAIAH 26:1-6. PSALM 118. GOSPEL. MT 7:21, 24-27
THEME: BUILD ON SOLID ROCK
There is this song that says, Christ is my rock, my refuge, my stronghold, Firm as the tree’s root that clutches the land. He who has faith builds without worry, not like the man who builds upon sand.
I set my house on a solid foundation.
Christ is my rock the root of my soul’s recreation.
This song is certainly based on today’s Gospel reading. The Lord compared everyone who listens to these of his and acts on them will be like a wise man who built on solid rock. The person who listens to him and not act on it is like a foolish man who built on sand (Mt 7:24-27). In this reflection, we shall highlight why we should build on solid rock and how to build on Jesus the solid rock.
WHY WE SHOULD BUILD ON JESUS, THE SOLID ROCK
First, we ought to build on solid rock because when bad weather comes the house will remain standing (Mt 7:25).
Second, another reason why we should build on Christ, the solid rock is because his love for us is unconditional and sacrificial (Rom 5:8).
Third, we should build on Christ the solid rock because he is faithful. He cannot disappoint us (2 Tim 2:13). His love is constant. The scripture tells us: nothing can separate us from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39).
Fourth, we ought to put our hope and confidence in Christ, the solid rock because he cares for us. The scripture tells us to entrust our plans to the Lord because he cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
Fifth, we should build on Christ the solid rock because he is all powerful. The Master told us, All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me (Mt 28:18).
Sixth, we should build on Christ, the solid rock because he is merciful. We see how he treated the woman caught in adultery (Jn 8:1-11).
Seventh, we should build on Christ the solid rock because he is our redeemer, our Saviour and our Salvation.
HOW TO BUILD ON CHRIST THE SOLID ROCK
First, Trust. In the first reading the prophet Isaiah tells us to trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is an eternal rock (Isaiah 26:4).
Second, keeping the commandments of God. This is what the Master is talking about in the Gospel reading today. Whoever listens to my words and keep it is like a sensible man who built his house on a solid rock (Mt 7:24-27).
Third, we become one with Christ when we strive daily to do his will. This is what he tells us in the Gospel today. Not everyone who calls me Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven but those who do the will of God ( Mt 7:21).
Fourth, by living a life of virtue and holiness (1 Peter 1:16). This is a powerful means to build on the solid rock.
Fifth, through forgiveness and reconciliation (Mt 18:21-31).
Sixth, we build on solid rock, when we love our neighbors sacrificially and unconditionally (Jn 13:34).
Seventh, we build on solid rock through prayers, fasting and charity. This are the three pillars in a life of devotion.
We should make a firm resolution to constantly build on the solid rock, Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
PRAYERS
Lord, help us to depend on you in all we do. Lord, please, help us to put our hope in you. Lord, please, sustain us till the very end. Amen. Wishing you a glorious day.
With lots of prayers and love.
