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Institute for Homiletics

A Collaboration of The Catholic Foundation and the University of Dallas

Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Words to Build a Life On

The poet Anne Sexton once wrote that words may be both daisies and bruises.  We live in a time when words seem to wound and divide people more than heal  and unite them. Whether in the realm of politics or religion, words have become  weapons more often than bridges to understanding and cooperation. But we are  a people who over the centuries have been formed by the word of God in both  the Old and New Testament. 

Both Moses and Jesus knew the power of words that have taken root in the human heart and carry over into action. In the book of Deuteronomy Moses gives his final speech to the people he has led out of bondage and brought to the border of the Promised Land. He calls them not only to wear these words on their body as emblems of faith, but to “take these words of mine into your heart and soul” (Deuteronomy 11:18). 

Jesus begins by saying that words alone are not enough; what matters in the  end is doing the will of the Father. And what is the Father’s will? Go back and  read the entire Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1 — 7:29). The call to live in a  way that brings the law of Moses to fulfillment is to be heard, taken to heart, and  carried into action. The instruction given to the disciples remains an urgent command to bring about the kingdom of heaven now. Jesus’ words will be a sturdy  shelter that protects them when battering storms threaten to overwhelm. 

Consider/Discuss

Take some time to reread the Sermon on the Mount.  

  • Which of Jesus’ words do you find most challenging?  
  • Which do you feel are particularly addressed to you at this time of  your life?  
  • Is there a word that you are hearing for the first time? 

Responding to the Word

We pray that our lives will have a strong foundation on the teachings of Jesus.  We pray that his words will be seeds that bear fruit in lives of justice, mercy,  compassion, and forgiveness. We ask that these words find a home in our heart  and soul.

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Scripture Study for

Today Moses directs the people to commit themselves totally to God. The  blessings promised for fidelity include numerous progeny and a good name,  abundant crops and a multitude of flocks, peace and security from enemies.  Curses include childlessness and premature death, family illness and diseased  flocks, pestilence and drought, defeat by another nation and devastation of the  land. The words Moses delivers are to be bound on their wrists and displayed as  a pendant on their foreheads. This custom identified them as observant members of the covenant community and reminded them of their responsibility to commit themselves mind and heart to the covenant.  

Contrary to what some have contended, Paul does not pit righteousness  against the law. He insists that the Romans must conform to certain Christian  principles. Nonetheless, he argues that adherence to the law does not produce  righteousness. Only faith yields righteousness. According to Paul, all have sinned,  and so all are in need of redemption. However, redemption and justification  are received, not earned, and they are received precisely while one is a sinner. Furthermore, justification is given gratuitously, freely, without cause. God  accomplishes this through the blood of Christ. Thus, by its very name, grace is an  undeserved gift. 

Jesus teaches that the disciples’ service must be grounded in solid commitment to him. Not signs of respect, forms of religiosity, or spectacular deeds,  but adherence to his words is essential for entrance into the reign of heaven.  Discipleship requires a life of righteousness, not merely charismatic activities. In  order to illustrate this point, Jesus contrasts the way of the wise with the way of  the foolish. The wise build the house on the solid ground of Jesus’ words, while  the fool’s house is constructed on sand. The implications of Jesus’ words are quite  clear. In order to be his disciples, people must follow Jesus’ instructions carefully  and faithfully. Those who do will be invited into the reign of God. Those who do  not will be denied entry.

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