Gospel: Matthew 7:21-29
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’
will enter the Kingdom of heaven,
but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day,
‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?
Did we not drive out demons in your name?
Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’
Then I will declare to them solemnly,
‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’
“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them
will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.
And everyone who listens to these words of mine
but does not act on them
will be like a fool who built his house on sand.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”
When Jesus finished these words,
the crowds were astonished at his teaching,
for he taught them as one having authority,
and not as their scribes.
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Patrick Marley RIP.
Reflection:
St Bede, the only Englishman so far named as a Doctor of the Church, was known for writing “The Ecclesiastical History of the English People”. Apart from that, he also wrote commentaries on the Scripture. His works are described to be “learned, steeped in the Church’s liturgical prayer, and eminently Catholic.” According to William of Malmesbury, St Bede was “marvelously learned, and not at all proud”.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells His followers that it is not those who call Him “Lord, Lord” will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but those who do the will of the Father. St Bede was a prolific writer, but that did not make him arrogant. His works were meant not for his own gain, but to teach his fellow monks and the rest of God’s People. God did not will us to use His gifts for ourselves. It was meant to be shared, just the way that He shared His precious Son to save us and give us eternal life. St Bede listened and acted upon Jesus’ words. He once said, “Unfurl the sails, and let God steer us where He will.”
- How do you let God steer you where He will?
- How do you keep yourself humble despite your achievements in life?
- “I have devoted my energies to the study of the scriptures, observing monastic discipline, and singing the daily services in church; study, teaching, and writing have always been my delight.” (St Bede) What other things do you consider to be your delight and why?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Through the prayers and example of St Bede grant us a humble heart that seeks to do Your will in everything we do today. Amen.
(Pietro)
The Last Chapter