Matthew 7:25
"The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house."
Hurricane season ended just a few days ago, but the advice that Jesus gives to us in today's Gospel will nonetheless resonate with us Floridians. He tells of a builder who constructs a house with foundations of rock--no amount of rain or wind can shake it. Then, he contrasts this house with another house built upon sand: when the wind and rain come, the house will collapse because it lacks a foundation.
Think of when we enter a hurricane's "cone of uncertainty": one of the ways we prepare is by going outside and taking stock of possessions that might blow away. We look for anything that doesn't have a firm foundation on the ground. Then, we either bring these things inside or tie them down.
Jesus' story today has a similar message: whatever is not "tied down" to him will be blown away. As we begin this season of Advent, take stock of what I need to "tie down" to Jesus in my life. He wants to be our rock, our foundation. Is there anything in my life that I feel I can't allow Jesus to be a part of?
Get to know our seminarians! Today's reflection was written by:
Deacon Connor Penn, Fourth Theology
Home parish: Corpus Christi
Did you know...
Prior to entering the seminary, I studied for one year at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama--and quickly learned how important college football is to those who live in Alabama!
Pray with us for the men and women discerning the priesthood and religious life. To pray for our seminarians by name or to find out more about the Diocese of St. Petersburg vocations office, click here.
