Homily for Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time

We have been reading the Sermon on the Mount during Mass for several weeks and reached the final section today. In this crucial sermon, Jesus outlines three essential activities for his followers: speaking, listening, and doing. When we gather for public prayer, we speak by calling on Jesus as Lord. In public worship and private prayer, we hear the Word of God and allow it to fill our hearts. Speaking and listening play a significant role in the life of a disciple. However, Jesus emphasizes that the value of these practices diminishes unless they lead to good actions.

It is not enough to simply call on the Lord; we must strive to do God's will. Merely listening to Jesus' words is insufficient; we must act on them. Our actions should reflect our words and what we hear. When our prayers and listening to God's Word result in good deeds that mirror Jesus' life, our lives become firm and solid, like a house built on rock. Today's Gospel reassures us that if our words to God and God's words to us positively influence our attitudes and behavior, we can better withstand life's storms.