Reflection for June 26 Thursday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 7:21-29

Gospel: Matthew 7:21-29

Jesus said to his disciples: “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. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? 

Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name? Then I will declare to them solemnly ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’ 

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. 

And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” 

When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

What will ensure your entry into the Kingdom of God when your time in this world comes to an end? It is your faith—built and anchored like a solid rock in Jesus. 

But what kind of faith are we talking about? It is not merely faith in name, or faith that is declared only in words. It is living faith—faith that is visible in your actions, in your love, in your service to others. A faith that bears fruit and leads others closer to Christ. 

It is easy to say, “I have faith. I am a Christian. I am a follower of Jesus.” But do we give substance to these declarations? Do we allow our lives to reflect these words? If we do, then thanks be to God! But if not yet, take heart—it is never too late to renew and deepen your relationship with the Lord. 

Every moment of your life is an opportunity—an invitation from God—to awaken your sleeping faith. He patiently waits for you to make it come alive, so that you may become like the wise man in the Gospel—who built his house on the rock. 

A house that no storm could destroy, because it was grounded firmly on Christ. Yes, storms will come—trials, heartbreak, uncertainty, pain. We have faced them, and we will likely face more.

But do you know what will keep you standing firm through it all? It is your rock-solid faith in Jesus—not a private, hidden faith, but one that is lived and shared in daily life. 

So now, take a moment to pause, reflect, and ask yourself: How is my faith in the Lord right now? Is it alive? Is it growing? Is it bearing fruit? 

God is calling you—today, this very moment—to strengthen your foundation in Him. He longs for you to walk with Him more deeply, more faithfully and more sincerely. — Marino J. Dasmarinas