A Life Built on a Solid Foundation - Weekday Homily Video

Today’s readings, particularly, the gospel can lead us to ask ourselves, “what are we building our lives upon…is it our 401k plans, educational degrees, whatever makes us happy, or something else…? 

Compounding this question but related is the fact that life is complex and with lots of twists and turns. Anyone who has been on this earth for more than eighteen years or maybe even less knows this from experience….just consider the two couples: Elizabeth and Zechariah and Abram and Sarai and their stories that we have heard about this week. 

Navigating Complexities

Both couples wanted their legacy to continue to through the birth of a child and yet in one case faithful--patient endurance was needed and in the other some divine counseling for Hagar to stay the course and give birth to Ishmael.  

In both cases, what Jesus taught the disciples was what was the key to navigating each of their situations was to do the will of God the Father. 

Thy Will Be Done

In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus is clear that it is not enough to prophesy or do mighty deeds or even drive out demons in His Name, if it is not in direct connection to the will of the Father. 

This shouldn’t be a big surprise to us who pray the “Our Father” at each Mass and say the words, “…thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Those aren’t just filler or hollow words, they have real import and weight in being a follower of Jesus.  

And, to illustrate this point, Jesus uses a metaphor that actually came up in our recent construction project here at the Father Peyton Center. One day, in meeting with the construction company we were told that there needed to be a change in plans that would require an increase in the cost of the project.  

Strong Foundations

Needless to say, the head of construction explained why…he said, “well, you see our initial estimate of the firmness of the soil was greater than it was in reality. So, we’ll need to bring in additional soil and a compactor to make a firm foundation for the addition to the Father Peyton Center. 

You could tell that he had some trepidation in raising this point. But our team, all thought about it and decided that it only made sense to properly prepare the foundation.  

And, as the meeting went on, I thought about Jesus’ words and at the end of the meeting mentioned to the group that if Jesus were here, he would definitely agree with our decision…as I referenced the conclusion of today’s gospel.  

What Are We Built On?

My brothers and sisters today is a great day to reflect on the question: what are we and our families building our lives upon…and is not only…in full alignment with God’s will…. but first, informed and directed by God’s plan for us and our families.  

You know it would have been foolish to continue our building project without a firm foundation for it to rest upon…. what about us and our families, what is the firmness of the foundation we are building the lives for our ourselves and our children? 

Shoring Up Our Lives 

This is a great conversation to have as a family and then to bring to prayer…for God’s guidance and strength to live…so that when one day we meet the Lord, He will welcome us into heaven. 

May God bless you and your families this holy day as one day at time, we shore up the foundation in our lives, which is our loving God.  

• Today’s Readings
  
  
• Father Pinto's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
  
  
• To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)