Reflection for June 25 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.

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Reflection:

Where is our life anchored today? Is it anchored in this world, or is it anchored in God alone?

It is very tempting to anchor our lives in this world. After all, who among us does not desire wealth, influence, power, success, and the many comforts that life can offer? We would not be completely honest with ourselves if we claimed that these things hold no appeal for us.

Yet we must pause and reflect: What happens to us when our hearts become too attached to the things of this world? What happens when God becomes merely an option—someone we turn to only in times of trouble, but easily forget when life is going well? Little by little, our priorities begin to shift, and without realizing it, our relationship with God can become secondary to our pursuit of worldly desires.

The truth is that we were not created to be permanent citizens of this world. We are pilgrims and travelers on a journey toward our eternal home. One day, we will leave behind everything we have worked for, accumulated, and treasured in this life. No earthly possession, achievement, or status can accompany us into eternity. When that day comes, what will truly matter is whether we have lived for ourselves or for God.

This is why it is always wiser and safer to anchor our lives in Him. To be anchored in God means more than simply worshiping Him with our lips; it means surrendering our hearts, trusting His will, and faithfully following His ways. It means allowing His Word to guide our decisions, shape our character, and direct the course of our lives.

Sadly, there are times when we honor God with our words but fail to obey Him through our actions. Oftentimes, we profess our faith, yet continue to cling to worldly values and desires. When this happens, we gradually become enslaved to the very things we thought would bring us happiness, while drifting farther away from the One who alone can satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts.

Today, let us ask the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts and reveal what truly holds first place in our lives. May He help us loosen our grip on temporary things and strengthen our desire for the eternal. May we learn to trust God not only in moments of need but in every moment of our lives, knowing that He alone is our true security, our lasting treasure, and our eternal hope.

Can we honestly say that our hearts are anchored in Him alone, or have the passing things of this world quietly taken His place in our lives?—Marino J. Dasmarinas