First reading Isaiah 26:1-6
Open the gates; let the upright nation come in
That day, this song will be sung in the land of Judah:
We have a strong city;
to guard us he has set
wall and rampart about us.
Open the gates! Let the upright nation come in,
she, the faithful one
whose mind is steadfast, who keeps the peace,
because she trusts in you.
Trust in the Lord for ever,
for the Lord is the everlasting Rock;
he has brought low those who lived high up
in the steep citadel;
he brings it down, brings it down to the ground,
flings it down in the dust:
the feet of the lowly, the footsteps of the poor
trample on it.
Responsorial Psalm 117(118):1,8-9,19-21,25-27
Blessed in the name of the Lord is he who comes.
or
Alleluia.
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,
for his love has no end.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in men;
it is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes.
Open to me the gates of holiness:
I will enter and give thanks.
This is the Lord’s own gate
where the just may enter.
I will thank you for you have answered
and you are my saviour.
O Lord, grant us salvation;
O Lord, grant success.
Blessed in the name of the Lord
is he who comes.
We bless you from the house of the Lord;
the Lord God is our light.
Gospel Matthew 7:21,24-27
The wise man built his house on a rock
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘It is not those who say to me, “Lord, Lord,” who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven. Therefore, everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on rock. Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and hurled themselves against that house, and it did not fall: it was founded on rock. But everyone who listens to these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a stupid man who built his house on sand. Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and struck that house, and it fell; and what a fall it had!’
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The constant Rock
“Open the gates! Let the upright nation come in, she, the faithful one whose mind is steadfast, who keeps the peace because she trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is the everlasting Rock…” In the first reading, the words of the prophet Isaiah remain relevant to us today. Amid the instability of our world and the personal struggles we face, the prophet reminds us that God Himself is our firm rock. Peace does not come from control, success, or external security, but from allowing God to be our sure foundation.
In the gospel, Jesus explains that being a true disciple involves more than just saying “Lord, Lord.” It is about listening to His word and putting it into action. Such a person is like a wise builder who constructs their life on a solid rock foundation. As we pray, let us reflect and ask ourselves: What is the foundation of my life? Advent invites us to return to Jesus, whose love remains constant. May we open our hearts to Jesus who comes to us, allowing Him to be our peace and solid foundation. Today, let us anchor our choices, desires, and relationships in Him alone.
Reflective question:
Is Christ my sure foundation?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
