I have often pondered why certain ministries, communities even families do not grow in love, unity and simply go about serving with little happiness rather than joy in their hearts. The reason as I see it, is that there is too much individualism going on and everyone builds their own sandcastles. Some bigger and more intricate than others depending on their own strengths and talents. Prayer if any are devotionals so that little thought or effort goes into conversing with God. They will definitely pray a little more when they or someone dear to them is in dire need. Collective prayer is not their cup of tea and Adoration of our Lord is a private affair. They do not see the need to attend prayer meetings and reflections choosing to remain with what is comfortable for them. All it takes is a gale of wind in the form of change, challenges, disagreement and so on; and everything crumbles to dust!
Disciples come together first and foremost to praise and worship the Lord their God. Their prayers are primarily of thanksgiving and heartfelt gratitude. They pray and often together to discern His Will for them. If they build, they build upon their Rock, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. And it is His Kingdom alone they seek to build. If they build ‘Castles’ at all, it is only to protect the weak, those who cannot fend for themselves against evil. They serve one and all with much, joy, peace and love. Most of all with great charity and mercy.
Lord Jesus Christ You are my Rock, now and forever. Amen
First reading
Isaiah 26:1-6 ·
Open the gates; let the upright nation come in
That day, this song will be sung in the land of Judah:
We have a strong city; to guard us he has set
wall and rampart about us.
Open the gates! Let the upright nation come in, she, the faithful one whose mind is steadfast, who keeps the peace, because she trusts in you.
Trust in the Lord for ever, for the Lord is the everlasting Rock; he has brought low those who lived high up in the steep citadel; he brings it down, brings it down to the ground, flings it down in the dust: the feet of the lowly, the footsteps of the poor trample on it.
Gospel
Matthew 7:21,24-27
The wise man built his house on a rock
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘It is not those who say to me, “Lord, Lord,” who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven. Therefore, everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on rock. Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and hurled themselves against that house, and it did not fall: it was founded on rock. But everyone who listens to these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a stupid man who built his house on sand. Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and struck that house, and it fell; and what a fall it had!’
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