Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 5, 2024

Date: Thursday of the 1st Week of Advent

Scripture Text: Matthew 7:21, 24-27

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.

"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."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today from the Gospel of Matthew recounts Jesus’ warning to us of the need to not only hear His words but act on them, live them out loud.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I seek to hear Jesus’ word through scripture and prayer? Do I live them?

Praying:

LORD, Your words are the words of everlasting life. Send your Spirit to tenderize me completely so that my mind, my heart, my soul, my will are more receptive to your will and your will. Help me to take that which I receive from You in your word through scripture and prayer and live it boldly, lovingly, constantly. Amen.