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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider A wise man... a fool

A wise man... a fool

Published Dec 4, 2025 12:01 am  |  Updated Dec 3, 2025 05:32 pm
REFLECTIONS TODAY
Today’s Gospel pericope concludes Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). Here, Jesus is presented as a “lawgiver” like Moses and as a “wisdom teacher.”
In the perspective of Matthew, Jesus brings from the storeroom of Israel the old treasures with which he combines the new things of the Kingdom that he reveals.
The Old Testament and the New Testament are both components of God’s saving word.
While the crowds are spellbound by the authority of his words, Jesus teaches his disciples that they must ensure a solid foundation for their faith, one that stands the test of adverse elements.
Listening to his word is not enough; one must act on it. Saying is not enough; one must do.
Jesus draws from life’s experience to illustrate the point. The difference between two houses is not always visible: One without rock foundation can look just as solid as the one built on rock.
It is the capacity to weather adversities that proves the solidity of the house and the wisdom of its builder.
A recent misfortune in the Philippines provides an illustration. The newly inaugurated flyover bridge in a province proves to be a disaster because the pillars were not built on solid foundation, and so the bridge starts to sink.
It now stands among other government projects that show the foolishness of the builders, which costs great financial losses on the part of the National Treasury.
First Reading • Is 26:1-6
On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah: “A strong city have we; he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us.
“Open up the gates to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith. A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in you.”
Trust in the Lord forever! For the Lord is an eternal Rock. He humbles those in high places, and the lofty city he brings down; He tumbles it to the ground, levels it with the dust.
It is trampled underfoot by the needy, by the footsteps of the poor.
Responsorial Psalm • Ps 118
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” or “Alleluia.”
Gospel • Matthew 7:21, 24-27
Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.
“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.
“The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.
“And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand.
“The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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