By Jacob Perikala csc.
Readings: Is 26: 1-6; Mt 7: 21, 24-27
The first reading expects me to keep faith in the Lord to enter the kingdom of God. God is so merciful that, despite my wrongdoing, he invites me into his kingdom with the only requirement that I conduct my life in accordance with God’s word at all times.
Through the Gospel reading, Jesus shows me his kingdom which is always to do the will of God in my life. St. Ambrose, the doctor of the Church defended her against Arianism and contributed to the Church through his writing skills. He not only preached the kingdom of God but also actualized the values of the kingdom through his deeds. Through his works and writings, he defended the true faith against the Arians.
Thus, being a follower of Christ is not enough to enter the kingdom of God. To enter there, I need to reproduce the values of Christ in my daily conduct and life. It is not easy for me to produce the values of the kingdom unless I have a strong foundation in Jesus. To have a strong foundation in Jesus like St. Ambrose, I need to cultivate the virtues of prayer and meditation, so that when the rain, flood, and winds come in my life, I can stay strong without falling.
The readings give me a choice where I can either lay my foundation in Jesus or in the pleasures of the world. If I give my first preference to God and his values in my life, then I can become an ardent and committed disciple of Jesus.