https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062526.cfm
Rock – Faith and Love Take Work
People in Florida understand the importance of building their homes on solid ground. Between sinkholes and floods, homes can be easily washed away. Jesus built His Church on St. Peter’s faith, which He called “The Rock,” with purpose and intent.
Jesus told Peter, “Whatever you declare on earth will be declared in heaven. Whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Jesus has held to that promise. Through the grace of God, his Church has survived and grown for 2000 years, withstanding the destructive winds of time and opposing cultures. The operative word for building God’s house on the Rock is “build.” Faith and love take work.
We must want our parish (a community of faith) to grow into Christ Himself and become another Christ for the world. This truth doesn’t happen by standing in Church and crying out, “Lord, Lord,” as Jesus says. It takes time and effort to pray daily, engage in spiritual reading and study, and help our neighbors when they are in need.
It is the will of our Father that we work out our salvation in fear and trembling, meaning everything is God’s gift, and we are his faithful servants. Without Jesus, we can do nothing that has eternal significance. We are so happy to be called and gifted to serve Him and His brothers and sisters in love. We are building Christ’s house, where all are welcome to make their home. Our hearts are at home in Blessed Sacrament Parish and the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
Are we a part of this divine and human effort, building our lives and eternity on the Rock? “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like the wise man who built his house on rock.” Let us not think about doing something good for the Lord and his brothers and sisters.
Gospel Challenge:
Let us not say we will do something good for the Lord and for his brothers and sisters.
Let us do something good every day for the Lord and for His brothers and sisters. In His Providence, God will present that person and their need to us daily and provide the means to do so.
Love Your Neighbor!
Father Rick Pilger, IC
