"Madamo nga mga tawo ang nagatawag sa akon nga, 'Ginoo,' pero wala nagakahulugan nga makasakop sila sa paghari sang Dios. Ang mga tawo lamang nga nagatuman sang kabubut-on sang akon Amay sa langit amo ang makasakop sa iya paghari.
"Gani ang bisan sin-o nga nagapamati kag nagatuman sang akon mga pagpanudlo, kaangay siya sa tawo nga maalam nga nagpatindog sang iya balay sa pundasyon nga bato.
Kag bisan mag-ulan sing tudo kag magbaha, kag magwas-was ang mabaskog nga hangin sa balay, indi ini maguba tungod nga ginpatindog ini sa mapag-on nga pundasyon.
Pero ang tawo nga nakabati sang akon mga pagpanudlo, ugaling wala nagatuman, pareho siya sa tawo nga buang-buang nga nagpatindog sang iya balay sa balas.
Kag kon mag-ulan sing tudo kag magbaha, kag magwas-was ang mabaskog nga hangin sa balay, matumba ang iya balay, kag magarinagamak hasta mawasak."
Prayers:
"Lord Jesus, your are my Rock and my Refuge. Help me to conform my life
according to your word that I may stand firm in times of trouble and
find hope in your promises."
***
Reflection of the Daily Gospel:
What’s the best security against disaster and destruction? In the ancient world a strong city, an impregnable fortress, and a secure house were built on solid rock because they could withstand the forces of nature and foe alike. Isaiah speaks of God as an “everlasting rock” (Isaiah 26:4). He is the rock of refuge and deliverance (Psalm 18:2) and the rock in whom there is no wrong (Psalm 92:15). Scripture warns that destruction will surely come to those who place their security in something other than God and his kingdom. Jesus’ parables invite us to stake our lives on the coming of his kingdom or face the consequences of being unprepared when the day of testing and destruction will surely come.
When Jesus told the story of the builders he likely had the following proverb in mind: "When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm for ever" (Proverbs 10:25). What's the significance of the story for us? The kind of foundation we build our lives upon will determine whether we can survive the storms that are sure to come. Builders usually lay their foundations when the weather and soil conditions are at their best. It takes foresight to know how a foundation will stand up against adverse conditions. Building a house on a flood plain, such as a dry river-bed, is a sure bet for disaster! Jesus prefaced his story with a warning: We may fool humans with our speech, but God cannot be deceived. He sees the heart as it truly is – with its motives, intentions, desires, and choices (Psalm 139:2).
There is only one way in which a person's sincerity can be proved, and that is by one's practice. Fine words can never replace good deeds. Our character is revealed in the choices we make, especially when we are tested. Do you cheat on an exam or on your income taxes, especially when it will cost you? Do you lie, or cover-up, when disclosing the truth will cause you injury or embarrassment? A true person is honest and reliable before God, one's neighbor and oneself. His or her word can be counted on. If you heed God's word and live according to it then you need not fear when storms assail you. God will be your rock and your refuge. Is your life built upon the sure "rock" of Jesus Christ and do you listen to his word as if your life depended on it?
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