Thursday of the Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time
Shifting gears today, let us briefly examine this often-heard Gospel passage, “Not everyone who says, Lord, Lord, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” We might be tempted, as many are, to believe that by merely accepting or saying the name of Jesus into our lives ensures our salvation and entrance into the kingdom, but, as Christ says very plainly here, that is not the case.
Christianity is not a religion of good wishes, empty words, or of dual allegiance. It is a radical turning toward concrete belief and action in Jesus Christ, God the Son. This means, yes, we profess that Jesus is indeed our savior, and accept him into our lives, but it also means we must also live like him. We must aid the poor, the hungry, the naked, the imprisoned, and the marginalized. We must obey his commands; otherwise, we will not see heaven.
This is a hard thing to accept and a difficult one to live, but it is the truth. So, I urge you, examine your actions, do they correspond to obeying Christ? Or do you only profess with words? Listen to the words of Christ and then find ways to act on them.
Reflection by Fr. Etienne Huard, OSB
Posted in Articles for Lent, Daily Reflections, Lenten Resources