Our Venerable Father Onuphrius the Great (c. 337); Our Venerable Father Peter of Athos (892); Krystynopil’ Icon of the Mother of God
Romans 3:28-4:3; Matthew 7:24-8:4
Apostles’ Fast.
Read Matthew 7:24-8:4
Everyone builds a house. Our Lord tell us in the gospel message today that those who listen to Him will build on a secure foundation, but those who do not listen to Him will build on an insecure foundation. Everyone, however, builds something. As convenient as it would be to believe that there could be a third option, this is simply not the case.
St John Chrysostom comments on this passage: “And he was right in calling this one a fool, because what could be more brainless than building a house on the sand? For such a one endures the work of building but deprives oneself of the fruit of one’s labour and of relaxation, experiencing punishment instead of benefit. For it is surely clear to everyone that even those who follow a wicked path have to sweat in labour. Even the robber, the adulterer and the false accuser have to work and strain so that they can bring their evil to completion. But they not only reap no benefit at all from these labours but also experience much loss. For Paul was implying this when he said, “The one who sows to one’s flesh will reap corruption from one’s flesh.” [Gal_6:8, slightly modified.] Who are these persons who build on the sand? Those who are given up to fornication, debauchery, drunkenness and anger—they are building on sand.” [The Gospel of Matthew, Homily 24.3, PG 57:325; NPNF 1 10:170.]
What are you willing to work for? What will last? Put in the work which will provide the greatest return, in fact, an everlasting return!