Laying Foundation on the Rock

 GOSPEL THOUGHTS

23^rd Week – Saturday

Gospel – Luke 6: 43-49

First Reading 1 Cor 10:14-22

 

Laying Foundation on the Rock

1) Without Foundation nothing can stand

For any building or work or project or service or any other thing which we can name, needs a solid foundation for its survival 

A thing which comes into existence without a foundation, collapses within no time or it gets destroyed by itself

Strong foundation makes a thing strong. Weak foundation makes the thing weak. No foundation makes the thing to lose its identity immediately. 

2) Foundation on the Rock

Foundation on the rock speaks many things about the entire project 

A well thought and planned project 

A project for a long term plan and not for short term plan 

A project with a genuine purpose and for the benefit of many

The strength of the project and the durability of the project 

Foundation on the rock attracts many since it strengthen our faith, courage and confidence

Foundation on the sand or no foundation makes us to feel frightened, scared, confused and thus to run away from such projects 

3) What is the Foundation of Christianity?

Jesus calls Peter as Rock and on this Rock I will build my Church

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church  -  Matthew 16:18

What is the Rock stands for here

Rock stands for binding : binding means to forbid or to Prohibit

So foundation of the church based on prohibiting the immoral things. That is to exclude many things which weakens the foundation of the Church.

Prohibit sin, devil, pleasures of the flesh, revenge, gossip and other evil practices

Prohibit all the vices and immoral ways 

Foundation stands for *loosing*

Loosing means *Liberating* loosing stands for *Liberation*

So church is  founded for liberation

Liberating the people from slavery of Sin and from the clutches of the Satan

So the mission of liberation is the foundation of the church 

4) Forgiveness is another rock on which we need to build

To Peter who was called as *Rock" by Jesus and to the other disciples Jesus says *"If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them,  are not forgiven"*

Forgiveness is at the centre of Christian mission. Forgiveness brings God's mercy upon us. 

*So forgiveness and God's mercy is the foundation on which we need to build*

*God's Mercy, Forgiveness, Liberation from the slavery of Sin, prohibiting the entry of Satan into our life*   are the strong Rock, on which a solid foundation can be layed to build a powerful and genuine Christian life according to the Spirit of the Gospel

5) Where I have layed  foundation for my Christian life?

• On Gospel values
• On truth, justice and sincerity
• On service and sacrifice
• On forgiveness and peace

Or 

• On revenge and anger 
• On gossip and division
• On falsehood and injustice
• On jealousy and laziness

Think about it.

6) Values in my life

 What are the values which takes the place of *Rock* in my life to lay a strong foundation to build a genuine Christian Spirituality

God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones.

Fr Maxim D’Souza

Jeppu Seminary

Mangalore