TODAY'S GOSPEL Matthew 7:21-29 Jesus said to his disciples: ‘It is not those who say to me, “Lord, Lord,” who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven. When the day comes many will say to me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, cast out demons in your name, work many miracles in your name?” Then I shall tell them to their faces: I have never known you; away from me, you evil men! ‘Therefore, everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on rock. Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and hurled themselves against that house, and it did not fall: it was founded on rock. But everyone who listens to these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a stupid man who built his house on sand. Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and struck that house, and it fell; and what a fall it had!’ Jesus had now finished what he wanted to say, and his teaching made a deep impression on the people because he taught them with authority, and not like their own scribes. REFLECTION What is the rock? In 1 Corinthians 10:4, St Paul states, that the "Rock was Christ," referring to a spiritual rock that provided water for the Israelites during their desert wanderings. So we can say that the rock is Jesus and what we are called to do is to cling to Him amidst the storms and turmoil of life. It's a reminder that Christian faith is not a philosophy or a self-help programme: it's about a relationship with a living saviour. It's also a reminder that this rock provides living water to help us and empower us in our Christian life. Jesus promised that He would not leave us comfortless. So He leaves us, gives us, pours out on us His Spirit. Filled with this Spirit - and clinging to Christ - the storms of life will not assail us. (fb)

Do join us to support our curate, Fr William, on the occasion of his ordination to the Priesthood, and First Mass, Tuesday 1st July, and details below. (fb)