Thursday, December 4 – “Built Upon the Rock”

Scripture

“Everyone then who hears 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

beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock.” Matthew 7:21,

24–27

Reflection

The Lord’s words today reach to the very heart of Advent preparation. True

readiness for His coming is not found in words alone, but in deeds shaped by faith. “Not

everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven,” Jesus warns,

“but only the one who does the will of my Father.” The wise builder is the one who not

only listens to Christ but builds life firmly upon Him, the Rock that no storm can shake.

Advent is a season for checking our foundations. Upon what have we built our

hopes, our faith, our daily choices? The winds and floods of life reveal whether our footing

is sure. Yet even when our house trembles, Christ offers Himself as the steadfast ground

beneath us. To build upon Him means to anchor every part of our lives, prayer, service,

charity, and trust, in His Word.

As members of the EOHSJ, this Gospel carries a chivalric resonance. The knight’s

courage, the dame’s steadfastness, the Order’s fidelity to the Church, all find their stability

only in Christ the Rock. The Holy Land itself, marked by the enduring stones of Jerusalem,

reminds us that faith, too, must be solid, built not on passing emotion but on obedience to

the Lord’s teaching.

In a world of shifting sands, Christ alone is the unchanging foundation. As Advent

deepens, may we strengthen the structure of our hearts upon His Word, that we may stand

firm when the storm comes, not through our strength, but through His steadfast love.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are the Rock of my salvation. Strengthen my faith, that I may not

be swayed by fear or doubt. Teach me to build my life upon Your Word and to act with

courage and love. Make me steadfast in all that is of You. Amen.

Meditation Question

What parts of my life rest on uncertain ground? How can I rebuild more firmly on

the Rock of Christ through obedience and trust?