“Hear as Jesus heard; speak as Jesus spoke; suffer as Jesus suffered; die as Jesus died; rise as Jesus rose.”–One Bread One Body for Wednesday, March 27, 2013.
I have been sitting here with pen poised trying to visualize what this day would have looked like for Jesus and His disciples. Was there an aura of intrigue about the temple and were they aware of it? Had the disciples relaxed a bit because of the Hosannas ringing out when Jesus entered Jerusalem a few days before? Were they watchful and anxious or just “hanging out” with Jesus? Beginning Thursday evening, they will fall asleep, betray, flee, deny, despair, and hide.
I think I’m “hanging out” with Jesus after this post until Saturday afternoon. I’m praying that I won’t fall asleep, betray, flee, deny, despair, and hide. What about you?
Well, today, we study the final 9 verses of the Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 7: 21-29. I have learned much during this study. Hope you have, too.
Concerning Self-Deception
Matthew 7: 21-23
7: 22 on that day: This is the Day of Judgment on which Jesus will be the Divine Judge. God’s sanctifying grace makes our soul fit for heaven. We manifest it when we conform ourselves to the Father’s will, by knowing and obeying Jesus. Sanctifying grace is conclusive evidence of our personal sanctity and membership in the family of God. Charismatic graces, while heaven sent, are not. (CCC 2003)
Hearers and Doers
Matthew 7: 24-29
7:24 like a wise man: true wisdom puts Jesus’ teaching into practice and prepares for the future. his house: Physically, this parable alludes to building in New Testament Palestine. Mud-brick houses were generally built in dry season. Only a house with a solid foundation would resist erosion and destruction when torrential rains came. Jesus’ reference to a wise man and his house is a reference to King Solomon who built the temple upon a great stone foundation. Morally, the enduring house is the soul that is maintained only through labor and the materials of prayer and virtue grounded on Christ.
7:29 One who has authority: Jesus delivered “new teaching “(Mk. 1: 27). This teaching excelled over Mosaic Law in perfection. (Matthew 5: 21-48) Later, Jesus would denounce traditions that are incompatible with God’s word. (15: 3-6; CCC 581)
The Ten Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 25: these are all part of Jesus’ blueprint for Holy living. I know that I will continue to read and ponder them often during this pilgrimage to heaven.
“Save us, save us, Savior of the world, for by your cross and Resurrection, you have set us free.”
Next time: Easter Monday
Have a blessed and holy Triduum and a Joyous Easter!
Dr. Linda L. Powell 
i think the apostles still were “riding high” on the reception jesus had received into jerusalem and had no clue what was about to happen. passover was a time for celebration and the apostles were notorious for not heeding christ’s warnings. it is also important that we be forevere diligient as those “ordinary days” are usually when the extraordinary happens.
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How true! Thanks for commenting.
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