Thursday December 4, 2025

Matthew 7:21-24,27

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.

I recommend that you read the letter of St James at least every quarter. He picks up a lot of this theme in his epistle. Why James? Well he was the Bishop of Jerusalem which was the Mother Church until the Emperor massacred them. But St James is also described as “James the Just” or “James the Brother of Jesus who was called the Christ.” This is significant and sometimes a headache for us Catholics. Did our Lord have a brother? Maybe a half brother or a cousin. The point is Jesus and James grew up in the same house most probably. They were taught by Our Mother of Good Counsel, Mary, to look beyond outward performances. Saying Lord, Lord, or being a church goer is important but it is only the beginning. We need a relationship with The Father. A relationship frees us to do what we must and not get caught up in the legalities. St James says if someone comes to you hungry and you offer them a prayer, that is not enough. Feed them first, then pray with them, yes even on a sabbath.

Remember the acts of mercy? Let’s go back to that teaching. Today we are invited to follow through with our spirituality by actually doing good.

Love you the most!!