Scripture:
2 Kings 24:8-17
Matthew 7:21-29
Reflection:
What does a strong faith foundation look like? Is your faith rock solid as a house built on rock, able to endure whatever storms or crisis that might come? Or is your faith like that of a house built on sand on the seashore unable to withstand the winds and rains of time and purpose?
A few years ago, on a vacation trip to the Outer Banks, NC we experienced sandy shores and crashing waves on the coast and the ever-changing sand dunes! We built sand castles and collected sea shells along the beach at low tide only to see them disappear as high tide showed her mighty power and strength! We found more stable structures built to last at Cape Hatteras lighthouse, the Elizabethan ship, Elizabeth I and the wild French mustangs that roam freely along the beach and can trace their lineage over 500 years strong!
There are many examples of strength and weakness all around us as found in nature, leadership on a national and local level, church and community as well as family and friend relationships. We would like to think that the gift of faith we have all been given is going to be rock solid all of the time no matter what challenge comes our way! Jesus tells us in the gospel of today that if we only listen to him and stay connected all will be well. Our faith calls us to be open to the high tide that may wash away our hopes and dreams only to make way for those life-giving God experiences that low tide may wash upon our shores.
Give thanks to a God whose foundation is rock solid and able to endure the winds and rain as well as the sunny days and star-filled nights. Most of all let us remember God is Good All the Time and All the Time God is Good! Amen
Theresa Secord is a Pastoral Associate at St. Agnes Parish, Louisville, Kentucky.