Today’s Gospel:  Luke 6:43-49

REFLECTION
Today’s Gospel must be considered in the light of the geographical features of the district in which Christ was preaching. There were hills around the Sea of Galilee in which the layers of shelf-like rocks came to within a few feet of the surface. The wise builder removed the soft surface in order to place the foundations of his home upon the solid rock. Less prudent men erected their buildings in shallow trenches. There were times when severe storms broke in the tops of the mountains, when raging torrents of water rushed down the ravines to cover the plains. These surging floods undermined and weakened flimsy foundations, and when the hurricane increased, the house toppled over and the ruin was complete. Homes erected on the rock were able to withstand the onslaught of Nature.

The people who heard these things were able at the same moment to look beyond the Lord to see evidence in support of His statements. Let us remember the meeting was being held on a level piece of land somewhere in the lower area of the hills. The congregation would therefore be able to look up the natural ravines down which the torrent would flow; they would be able to see places where homes had been destroyed. The good foundation about which Jesus spoke was likened unto His own teaching. “Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them” - He is the man who built on the rock. The solid foundation then is the Word of Christ.  When Jesus spoke he was indeed initiating a new era, and blessed are we today that we have built our faith on the Rock of Ages.

Today’s Reading:  1 Cor 10:14-22

PRAYER
Lord, not on superstition, nor blind “science,” nor on self-knowledge shall we build our faith.  You are the rock on which we stand.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.