"Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. " (Matthew.7:24)

"Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. " (Matthew.7:24) 
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Jesus says that one listens to His words  and acts according to them

is like a man who builds his house on a rock.

"Building a house on a rock" means  building it on a strong foundation.

In Jesus' words quoted above,

we can see a relationship between

'His words   listened to and put into practice'

and

'the house built on a rock'.

Just like people build their material houses

on a strong rock,

in order to protect  them

from heavy rains, floods and storms,

we must build our spiritual life

on the words of Jesus   and put them into practice.

The doctor prescribes some medicines to be taken regularly as prescribed.

But if we don't follow the doctor's words,

the prescription chit will be no better than a piece of waste paper.

No doubt, Jesus' words are so powerful

that they can protect us from all the snares of the devil.

But merely knowing them are of no use,

unless we live according to them.

We know the words of God

when we read the Bible,

when we listen to sermons preached during Mass and prayer meetings,

and

when we read spiritual books

Having plenty of money may  make us rich, but,  we will be benefitted only when we use it.

Listening to the word
of God is very good.

But only if we live the word,

we will have  spiritual stability and growth. 

God has created us to know Him (know His word),

serve Him (live the word)

and live with Him for ever in heaven. (Enjoy the 'Word')

The strength of our spiritual life  depends upon

how far we live by the word of God.

Eternal reward is not for those who know the Bible by heart.

It is for those who live the Bible.

Let us know Jesus and live Him.

It is not enough that we have faith in Jesus.

We must live our faith.

Mere knowledge is of no use unless we live it.

I cannot but remember another rock mentioned by Jesus.

One day, after resurrection, Jesus asked Peter thrice

if he loved Him.

Peter replied him thrice  in the affirmative.

Satisfied with his answers,

Jesus said to Him,

"Feed my lambs," referring the faithful.

Lambs are young ones.

"Tend my shearlings," referring to the priests.

Shearlings are middle aged ones.

"Feed my sheep," referring to the Bishops.

Sheep are grown up ones.

By these words Jesus  appointed Peter

as the first Pope,

to have authority over

the laity,

the Priests

and

the Bishops,

 
Before His death Jesus had told Peter,

''And I tell thee this in my turn,

that thou art Peter,

and it is upon this rock

that I will build my church;

and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

Jesus referred to Peter as rock.

We have already seen that

there is a relationship

between 'His words  listened to and put into practice'

and 'the house built on a rock'.

Now we can infer

that Peter, the rock,

had listened and put into practice

the word of God

to Jesus' satisfaction.

Let us make our spiritual life stronger

by living by the words of Jesus. 

Lourdu Selvam.