A Home for God

Scripture Reflection for the Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (March 6, 2011)

Scripture Readings:
Deuteronomy 11:18, 26-28, 32
Psalm 31
Romans 3:21-25, 28
Matthew 7:21-27

Do you have one house, apartment, or area that you call home? Many of us associate home with a location where family or friends are nearby. You might have signs throughout your home, such as memorable pictures, favorite books, gifts from loved ones, a crucifix and maybe some icons.

This Sunday’s passage from Deuteronomy speaks of incorporating God’s words so authentically that it affects our heart and soul. If our interiority is changed by God, how could there be no external manifestation? God’s words become manifest as “a pendant on your forehead” (11:18). Taking God’s words into your heart and soul will have a visible effect on your life. Those who you invite into your home might find signs of your faith in different parts of your home. They also might recognize God in how you treat your family, friends, and those in need near your home.

In Matthew’s Gospel, we hear of “evildoers” who act in the name of Jesus. “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers” (Mt. 7:22-23). Some people flaunt signs and actions that appear to be Christian, but are not inspired by God.

I invite you to reflect on times you didn’t trust in God, or fear kept you from fully receiving God, or you ran out of patience waiting for some sign from God and moved on to your own agenda. I know sometimes I have not fully trusted in God; I have acted out of fear and been impatient with God. In this Gospel, Jesus invites us to ask, how many of our Christian actions are a response to God’s movement within our heart? How often do we settle down enough to let the Word of God change us? What fears might cause us to hold back our true self in prayer?

In a way, listening to God is like building a home - it takes time, reflection, and commitment. God’s Word, however, will provide a strong foundation to build our life on. A home built on God’s Word will withhold a storm, while a house made of disbelief, fear, and impatience will fall. “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.” Listening to God is the foundation for a home God offers each one of us.