Thursday of the 12th week in ordinary time

Genesis 16: 1-12. 15-16       Mathew 7: 21-29

Theme: Doing the word of God

In the Gospel reading of today from St. Mathew, it invites us to reflect deeply on our relationship with God and the call to live out our faith in a world that often challenges our values and convictions, as children of God and Christians. This is seen in the assertion of Jesus, that what matters most for us as children of God, is putting the word of God that we hear into practice in our daily life. This is one of the best ways we can witness for Christ and impact in the lives of all those who encounter us in our journey of faith. This is the standard with which God will judge everyone of us at the end of time, not necessarily whether you go to church or not. Jesus is simply encouraging us to live like true children of God that we are called to be, not by living on our terms. This gives us an insight on what it means to be a disciple of Christ.

Dearly beloved in Christ, are we prepared to share our faith, particularly when it is difficult? Are we proclaiming the values of love, justice, and mercy that Jesus exemplified? This doesn’t always mean speaking loudly or publicly; often, it means embodying these values quietly in our daily lives, through acts of kindness, compassion, and understanding. All these wonderful words are presented to us in the scriptures, and Jesus is encouraging us as children of God to practice them in our daily lives. When we live our lives according to the imperatives of the Gospel, then we are already preparing ourselves for the reward that awaits all the children of God, who put the word of God into practice in their daily lives. We all can make the right choice and make honest effort to practice the word of God that we hear and listen to in our daily lives. It is never too late to embrace the right path that will lead us to eternal life. Make that decision today and declare of Christ, and you will never regret.

Dear friends in Christ, the Lord has given us an insight that should guide us in the way we live our daily lives. As we all desire to be counted among those who built on the solid rock that will stand the test of time and lead us to eternal life, we must walk the talk to make it a reality. Never think it is not possible; with God everything is possible. Now is the time we must make all the difference that truly matters in our call to discipleship. As you make honest and sincere effort to practice the word of God in your daily life, may almighty God bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen. May the peace of the Lord be with you.