9th Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ March 6, 2011

March 6, 2011 ~ Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle I 


First Reading: Deuteronomy 11:18, 26-28, 32
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 31:2-3, 3-4, 17, 25
Second Reading: Romans 3:21-25, 28
Gospel: Matthew 7:21-27

Reflection Questions

1. How does Jesus describe the steps to building a stable house? How does Jesus describe the purpose of His words?
2. What kind of foundation are you building your life on right now? What forces or strong winds are trying to destroy it?
3. How can the words of Jesus better become the foundation of your life?

Gospel Reflection


Is your residence important to you? Real estate is one of the biggest issues that our society faces, in particular, the right and ability to own one’s home. This is so crucial that it touches each person on this planet. Everyone longs and dreams of having their own home. No one wants to live in a residence that is a moment’s notice away from destruction. We all want to live in a nice place that is not only beautiful, but able to withstand the most difficult situations Nature can throw at it. In this Gospel passage, Jesus taps into the importance of building on a solid foundation. Jesus is discussing, however, something that is far more important then a house; Jesus is concerned with the direction of our entire lives. Whether we realize it or not, each one of us is building a foundation that will determine our eternal life. With this parable, Jesus challenges us to build our lives upon Him. Jesus is asking to be our foundation. Our society tries to tell us that our friends, grades or material possessions are what will give us true happiness. Without keeping focus on Jesus, it becomes easy to be consumed by the daily demands of life. Jesus invites us to make Him the source of our happiness. In a day and age where the majority people look at Christ as if He were part of a fairy tale, each one of us is confronted by Jesus personally to commit to Him and follow Him. By our words and actions we will show the foundation on which our lives are built. May we have the courage, trust, perseverance and above all the love to make Jesus the cornerstone of our lives.