I think many times we struggle to understand the messages contained in the daily Mass readings. But thankfully, through the insights and luxuries of Scripture classes, personal study, and the aid of various commentaries and group sharing, we have the opportunity to grow in our understanding of what Jesus was teaching his first century apostles. The fruitful blessing for each of us who participate in this Advent series, will be a deeper knowledge of what our Lord wants to teach us. 

For example, picture the scene. Imagine that you have been living in hard times and things look grim even though you have been trying to stay faithful. A prophet arrives named Isaiah with a message that brings hope. He begins to describe your people, from the tribe of Judah, joyfully singing a psalm of trust in God. The voices being raised are affirming that God vindicates the life of the righteous poor and that your power, which had been broken, is being revived. You now have a strong city with walls and ramparts for protection. You can almost hear them excitedly chanting, “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is an eternal Rock.” The Lord is an eternal rock? That sounds like one strong foundation. 

Now fast forward to the time of Jesus in this passage from Matthew. Can you hear His message to the disciples as if you were one of them? He wants you to be committed to Him. He stresses that words alone are not enough. Our lives must be about more than saying, “Lord, Lord.” We have to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. 

And we need to be building our house on rock. Why? Because those that do so are, as God refers to them, wise. By building on rock, the rain and the storms cannot destroy what has been constructed. But the ones who built their house on sand, He calls foolish, because their houses will collapse and be destroyed by the rains and flood when they come.

Jesus is our Rock and firm foundation. Advent is the perfect time to strengthen our relationship with Him so that our faith is not shaken by every storm that whips up around us. We can sing praises like the Israelites did, because our Lord has provided us with protection. What steps will you take this Advent season to build on the Rock of Jesus? What areas of your life are on some shifting sands right now? This is the time to do some foundation work. You have a Master Carpenter ready to help. 

Collaboration by Jane Hoff and Barbara Moore. Jane has been married for 67 years and they have a large family. They have been members of Holy Family since the beginning. She was the original founder of the Ladies Share Group. Barbara is now the new facilitator of LSG and they both invite any ladies interested to come join them each Tuesday.