Homily – Thursday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle II)

📖 Readings: Genesis 16:1–12, 15–16 | Psalm 106:1b–2, 3–4a, 4b–5 | Matthew 7:21–29
🎯 Theme: “Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord' – Faith That Stands on Rock”


1. Introduction – A House in Pretoria East

There’s a funny story of a couple in Pretoria East who built a beautiful house with stunning windows, tiled floors, and high-tech everything. But after the first heavy rains, the walls cracked and part of the driveway collapsed. Why? The builder had ignored proper foundation work—they built for beauty, not for endurance.

In today's Gospel, Jesus speaks to us directly: "Everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on rock."

2. The Word of God – The Danger of Shallow Religion (Matthew 7:21–29)

Jesus gives a strong warning: Not everyone who calls Him ‘Lord’ will enter the Kingdom.
Words alone are not enough. Lip service without heart surrender is empty.
People may prophesy, cast out demons, or perform wonders—but if their lives are not aligned with God’s will, they are building on sand.

The wise builder listens and acts.
The foolish builder hears—but doesn’t apply.
Both houses look fine… until the storm hits.

➡️ Application: What storms reveal is what is real. Storms don’t destroy faith; they expose foundations.

3. The Genesis Story – Hagar and God Who Sees (Genesis 16)

In the first reading, we meet Hagar, an Egyptian maidservant drawn into Abraham and Sarah’s impatience with God's promise. Sarah gives her to Abraham, and once she conceives, conflict erupts. Hagar runs away into the wilderness, pregnant, alone, and afraid.

But there—in her lowest moment—God meets her.
The angel of the Lord says, “The Lord has heard your cry,” and Hagar gives God a name: El-Roi, “The God who sees me.”

➡️ Even in our mess, God sees us.
He doesn't only work through perfect people and perfect plans. He works through the broken places too.

4. The Psalm – A Cry for Mercy

Psalm 106 reminds us of God’s mercy:

“Blessed are they who observe what is right, who do always what is just.”
And it cries out: “Remember me, Lord, when you show favour to your people.”

Like the psalmist, we may feel unworthy, like Hagar in the desert or the house on sand. But God's mercy is deeper than our mess. He sees, remembers, and restores.

5. Eucharist – Foundation of Christ’s Love

In the Eucharist, we are given more than words—we are given Christ Himself.
Here we meet the One who not only taught us how to build wisely but laid His own life down as the Rock on which we stand.

This is not spiritual theory—it is concrete grace.
We receive strength for obedience, courage for storms, and hope in hardship.

6. A South African Reflection – Who Are You Building For?

In a country where housing is a political and spiritual issue, we know the cost of poor foundations. Our communities also need spiritual housing—solid homes of prayer, families rooted in truth, young people anchored in love.

Let us not build flashy spiritual lives for the neighbours to see but build real faith, brick by brick, in the hidden obedience of daily life.

7. Questions for Reflection

  • Am I building my faith life on emotional highs or daily commitment?

  • What area of my life needs stronger foundations in Christ?

  • Do I know that God sees me, even when I feel used, lost, or unworthy?

8. For Those in Difficulty – God Sees You

To the one who feels abandoned like Hagar in the wilderness—take heart.
God sees your tears. He calls your name. He offers water in the desert and hope for your future.

Your story is not invisible. El-Roi—the God who sees—is watching over you.

9. Inspiration – Pilgrims of Hope

As pilgrims of hope, we must be doers of the Word, not just hearers.
This Jubilee Year reminds us:

  • It is not the loudest who are closest to God—but the most faithful.

  • Hope is not wishful thinking, but radical obedience to Christ’s words.

  • Faith that endures is faith built on rock.

🪨 “Storms don’t sink the faithful. They strengthen the rooted.”

10. Conclusion – Built to Last

Let your life be a structure of grace:

  • Foundation: God's Word

  • Walls: Prayer and Sacraments

  • Roof: Charity and compassion

  • Interior: Humility and joy

Storms will come—but your house will stand. Not because you are strong, but because Christ is your foundation.

🛐 Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You are the Rock of our salvation.
Teach us not just to say “Lord, Lord,”
but to live Your Word in our actions.
Strengthen us in times of difficulty,
remind us that You see us,
and help us build lives of deep, lasting faith.
Make us wise builders,
pilgrims of hope,
and disciples who endure.
Amen.

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