Dt 11:18, 26-28, 32
Rom 3:21-25,28
Matthew 7:21-27
Starting with the words from Deuteronomy we are encouraged in Sunday's readings to "take the words of the Lord into our hearts and souls" and to choose the blessing that comes from being faithful to the Lord's word and commands. Saint Paul reminds us that we all have sinned but that through the grace of Baptism we are justified and redeemed in the blood of Christ on the Cross.
And in the Gospel of Saint Matthew, Christ himself reminds us that unless we listen to and build our lives on the word of the Lord, we will collapse like a house built on sand that falls apart in a storm.
Jesus is attempting to tell us and show us the very will of God for us in our lives as individuals and as the community of the faithful. When we understand and believe we attempt to act accordingly. We won't be perfect, but we will make the effort. Therefore, we do not have to worry about a little black book in the hands of St. Peter. He is not checking off everything we are doing good and bad. Instead, God wants to know if we believe, if we have heard the teachings of Christ, and if we are willing to try. For in the end that is what will matter.
