"We Have a Choice!" ~ by Ronnie Archer

Today's readings instruct us as to how we must live in order to obtain eternal life in Christ; and the consequences of our choice in not following Jesus' commands.

In the first reading, Moses told the people to "take these words of mine into your heart and soul; there is a blessing for obedience and a curse for disobedience."

The second reading reminds us that we all have sinned and are deprived of God's glory--but--we "are justified freely by God's grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as an expiation through faith, by the shed blood of Jesus."

Today's Gospel is the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, which refers to everything that Jesus has said about good works and the fulfillment of His Law.

We hear the parable of the house that was built on sandy ground, and when the winds and rains came, collapsed; and the house that was built on solid rock; when the winds and rains came, withstood, and did not collapse.

Likewise, if we are not rooted in the Word of God, we will not be able to withstand. We become more powerful and resistant to the trials and evils of the world if we are deeply rooted in His Word.

We need to continuously try to imitate Jesus Christ... what Christ preached, He practiced.

God sets before us life and death. It is up to us to choose. God is patient and compassionate as He guides us to Him. His Word is eternal. Let His Son, Jesus Christ, shine through us.

Give God all the glory. It belongs to HIM!


~ Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~