Letters From Timothy

This particular reading has two distinct part with two distinct messages. In the first part, Jesus gives a disturbing revelation; in the second, Jesus offers an interesting parable.

The first part of this reading establishes, without any doubt, that Christianity is a religion of action. Neither Jesus nor God tolerate lip service. But “lip service,” in this case, includes more than just praising Jesus while one continues to commit egregious sins. “Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?” People today do many, many things in the name of the Lord. Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye Messner raised huge amounts of money in the name of Jesus only to be indicted for misusing their funds. Many prominent preachers use the name of Jesus to demonize homosexuals, atheists, Jews, and Muslims, and many horrible atrocities are committed in His name. Jesus says that these people may find no entry through the gates of heaven. When Jesus says “I never knew you,” it seems he really means “You never knew me.” That is, “You never understood, nor practiced the core of my teaching: to love your neighbor and your enemies as you love yourself.”

So, if merely calling upon the name of the Lord does not suffice, then what does? Jesus says very clearly that “only the one who does the will of my father in heaven” will enter it. This brings us to the second part of the reading, the parable. I’ll admit this sounds a bit like the Three Little Pigs, but it’s message is very clear. I think that I can even go as far as to parse the parable metaphor for metaphor. The house represents the life and legacy of the man who built it. The winds and rain and floods represent the judgment of God. One man, who has obeyed the will of God and done His work, has made a wise choice and a smart investment. He gets to keep his life and legacy. But the other man who has built his house on sand for whatever reasons–ease, price, whatever–loses everything.

This reading may sound dire, but I assure you that it is remarkably simple to build your house on rock. Just make sure that you treat others with love and respect, no matter what you think of them or their choices, and help those who need help, regardless of why. Do what is in your power to do to help others. If you buy lunch and have a few bucks left in your pocket when you suddenly encounter a homeless man begging for change, why not give him those dollars? What do you need them for? Instead of spending them on something unimportant, invest them in a secure location to build your house.

-Timothy