Thursday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
In today’s Gospel, those listening to Jesus speak are “astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority not as their scribes.” (Mt: 7 29) What did these people see and hear that gave them such insights, and do we have open ears and hearts to hear the same?
Jesus continues with the Sermon on the Mount in today’s reading, and He tells His listeners that entering the Kingdom of heaven requires more than just words. “Only the one who does the will of my Father” (Mt: 7 22) will enter the kingdom. Jesus goes on further to say that those who do various actions “in his name”, but do not do act on God’s words will be like a house built on sand that crumbles when buffeted by the storms.
The people listening to Jesus hear someone who speaks intimately of God and God’s ways. Jesus shares the Father’s vision for all of creation- a world of peace, mercy and love. Jesus not only shares these teachings, but He lives out these words in His life through his care, healing and forgiveness for others, particularly those in need. In today’s reading, Jesus is reminding his followers that being His disciples requires more than just words. The recognition that we belong to Christ is in not only hearing God’s words, but putting them into action. Jesus’ connection to God and His ability to live God’s ways in His life highlight the authority of His teaching. No one that they knew, including the scribes, was able to live out these divine teachings so completely. Jesus “practiced what he preached”, and He calls others to do the same.
Upon further reflection, do I allow Jesus’ authority to speak to my heart? Do I not only “talk the talk” but “walk the walk”? How am I putting God’s ways into action in my daily life? Throughout the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provides us a framework for how we are called to put our faith into action. Take time to learn God’s ways through scripture, prayer, and sacrament, and ask God for the grace to live out these teachings and truths. Together, may we put our words into action and continue to build the Kingdom of heaven.
—Marylynn Herchline