Listen and act!

Readings: 1^st: 2 Kg 24:8-17; Ps: 78; Gos: Mt 7:21-29

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico, the island of enchantment. He is the Chancellor of the Dioceses of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico; the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. For more details and comments contact him at:  canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

On this Thursday of the twelfth week of ordinary time, Christ presents us with the last part of his sermon on the Mount.

Christ’s discourse today is simply part of his continuous call and reminder to us to be authentic and practical Christians.

He reminds us that: “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.”

So, this means that, it is not just sufficient only to talk and sing in the name of Christ, but that, it is necessary for us to practice what we hear every day from the word of God.

If we only continue to speak about God, but do not live according his will, we simply contradict ourselves.

Hence, Paul reminds us: “The Lord knows those who are his. Everyone who invokes the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness or iniquity” (2 Tim 2:19).

So, in addition to using, and calling on the name of Jesus, we must develop a very practical and authentic relationship with him.

The world is tired of much empty words from us, Christians. Rather, it wants to see our words translate into good actions anchored on the word of God that we hear daily.

So, we must not live in a continuous illusion of working for Christ, if we have not had a transforming encounter with Him.

A true encounter with Christ is what transforms our own lives and makes us practical and authentic Christians. It teaches how to be humble, charitable, merciful and available for his mission.

Hence, the summary of what Christ is teaching us today is this: “Blessed are those who listen to the Word of God, and put it into practice” (Lk 11:28).

So, let us ask God, to help us to be true and authentic Christians, who will take his word and will seriously in our daily lives.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!