Reading
“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!” (Mt. 7:24-27).
Reflection
Houses in Palestine had no foundation as such; their stability depended on the soil on which they were built. We have to keep this original context in mind when we read Jesus’s parable of two houses. First, this is not a parable about Jesus’ followers and Jesus’ opponents. This is about Jesus’ followers only. The contrast is between those who hear Jesus’s words but fail to live in that light and those who not only hear Jesus’ words but also live in that new light. Thus, this is a parable about hearers and doers of Jesus’ words. Second, the main comparison in this parable is not between good and evil, but between wisdom and foolishness. Jesus’ point is that the person who builds the house on the rock is sensible and the person who builds the house on sand is stupid. As we know, the theme of the stupid and wicked can be frequently found in the Wisdom literature. Recall for instance: “The wise of heart takes orders, but a gabbling fool heads for ruin” (Prov. 10:8); “The house of the wicked will be destroyed, the tent of the honest will prosper” (Prov. 14:11); “The wise fears evil and avoids it, the fool is insolent and conceited” (Prov. 14:16). Third, it is important to note that the rain, floods and storms make no exception; they hit thoughtful disciples just as they hit foolish disciples. So, what does it mean to obey Jesus’ words? Obeying Jesus’ words does not give any protection from usual troubles in human life on earth and special tribulations associated with discipleship. Just as the rock on which the house is founded does not shield the house from rain, floods and storms, practicing Jesus’s words does not exempt one from troubles in life. But, it supports one to stand firm against any trouble in life.
Prayer
Jesus, my Lord and Master, thank you for enlightening my heart with this simple parable. The difference between good and evil has always been a strong point in my thought and life choices. But, hardly I reflected on the question, what is good in being wise and what evil in being foolish. Today, I realize that intelligence and holiness are directly related. Hearing your word does no good to any one, if he/she does not practice what your word demands. Lord, make me a humble disciple who is not only a hearer but also a doer.
Contemplation
All of us are building houses. Life, family, friendship, career – all of these are houses. Take a gaze on the foundation of these houses. Do you see one or another word of Jesus at its foundation? If not, re-found your house.
Action
Recall the moments and events in your life where you felt totally defeated. Check if your life at those moments was founded on the words of Jesus. Ignore the attacks and stay strong if you find one or another Gospel value at the foundation of the work that is now being attacked from all sides. If your works are built on the sand of some merely human ideas, read the New Testament and find some founding verses for your various undertakings.
Leave a Comment