The 9th Sunday in Ordinary Time calls our attention to the sequela Christi, the following of Christ. We Christians are in a way like the Israelites in the desert who walked behind Yahweh away from Egypt, through the desert and into the Promised Land. Note however that the generation which left Egypt and crossed the Red Sea never entered the Promised Land. They were not allowed by the Lord to enter into His rest because of their lack of faith. The baptized, though already saved, still need to persevere in their new status. There is no such thing as a "once-saved-always-saved" principle in Christian life. This is illustrated with lively images by Matthew. Please read the articles "Building On A Sure Foundation" and "Lest You Forget"; use the following for your reflection.
1. Matthew 7:21-23 is best read within the context formed by verses 13-23. Within these passages, the Lord indicates that disciples need to do certain things in order to be saved. First, he/she must be able to distinguish between the wide road that leads to perdition and the narrow road leading to salvation and choose the right one. Second, he/she should be warned about certain prophets who will be like wolves in sheeps' clothing and keep away from them. Once more, the Lord requires the disciple to distinguish false prophets from the real ones through the fruits they bear. Finally, there is a matter of those who say "Lord, Lord" but who don't do the will of the Father.
Reflect: God's will is expressed through His Word. The Word of God is first of all Christ. Listening to Christ and contemplating His life should be an integral element in our education in obeying the Father's will. How much time do you spend with the Lord, in prayer and meditation?
2. Matthew 7:24-27 lays stress on hearing the Word and doing it. The Lord compares the disciple who listens to Him and performs His instructions to a man who builds his house on Rock.
Reflect. We desire a life that is safe and secure, not threatened by loss and death. The Lord tells us that the only way to a secure life is obedience to Him. In the light of this statement, to which of the two examples given are you more similar: to the one who builds his house on rock, or the one who constructs on sand?
3. Obedience to the voice of the Lord is familiarizing our ears to His words and our "eyes" to His countenance. "I know my sheep, and my sheep know me" said the Lord. To familiarize oneself with Him means spending time in His Presence.
Reflect. We have just celebrated the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. The Eucharist is His abiding presence among us. Do you spend time with Him in the Blessed Sacrament? When was the last time that you visited Him and said "Hi"?
