Much of the teaching in the first part of this chapter (7:1-20) is also found in Luke’s Gospel, and is read at Mass during Year C. Therefore it is omitted here. However, you should read it as a preparation for reflecting on this passage. The "golden rule" (v 12) summarizes the best of Jewish law, but the law of the kingdom of God goes beyond it — to love others as we have been loved by God, and Christ is the model of this love.

The whole sermon on the mount (Mt 5-7) concludes with a warning to put Jesus’ words into practice, or they will be simply worthless.

To live Jesus’ words demands the solid commitment exemplified by the sturdy rock foundation of a well-built house. But the true Christian life also demands involvement in the world — doing God’s will, not merely talking about it and enjoying his favor (vv 21-23). Those who merely profess Christ with the voice, but do not take his words to heart as the driving force of their lives, are emphatically declared not a part of his kingdom ("I do not know you!"). They may even possess gifts of ministry (v 22), but it should be remembered that these gifts are given for mutual benefit, not merely as one’s own privileged possession (see 1 Cor 12-14).

The blessing and the curse exemplify the urgency of the covenant as well as its absolute demand: with God, blessing; without God, chaos. As much as God loves us and wants to draw us to himself as his people, he leaves the final choice up to us. God is a Lover seeking the freedom of his beloved, not a manipulator seeking slavish conformity.

This psalm expresses firm faith and trust in God even in the face of persecution and apparent hopelessness. Response: "Lord, be my rock of safety."

The introduction to the letter to the Romans is read on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year A.

After reflecting in the first part of this letter on the failure of humankind to find God through his footprints in nature, and the inability of the law of Moses to fulfill our destiny, Paul turns to consider how we are justified by Christ.

God’s justice is not merely a characteristic or a quality, but an event (v 21) — the manifestation of his fidelity to his people in Christ, and his concern that all humanity should come to be justified in him.

"Faith alone" as the way of justification does not mean some magical act that buys salvation from God. Rather, the expression emphasizes the complete giftedness of salvation. Salvation is ours in Christ. Faith is simply opening the door to him.

This does not mean that religious practices — "law" and "works" — are in themselves bad. It does mean, however, that of themselves they have no value. No one can "buy" heaven by doing anything — whether by devotions, keeping the law, or even suffering. However, insofar as these acts are expressions of true faith — the necessary outward manifestation of what is interior — these works can be considered as having value in relation to the kingdom.

1. After reading this Gospel passage carefully, are you surprised or disturbed by Jesus’ message? Why or why not?

2. In what ways are we in danger of using religious practices to buy our way into heaven? How can we follow the way of salvation as indicated by St. Paul?