When was the last time you went to the beach and built a sandcastle? Now that my kids are older, I don't build sandcastles as much as I used to. When I go to the beach, I tend to sit in my beach chair, read a good book, watch people, walk along the water's edge, and every now and then get cooled off in the water.
The Gospel reading from Matthew 7:21-27 that was read on the ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (June 1, 2008) always makes me think of the beach and building sandcastles. No matter how sturdy you make your sandcastle, when the water comes up high enough, it washes away what you've created.
Having lived along the Sea of Galilee, Jesus used the analogy of building a house in sand to show what weak faith can do. When something comes along to challenge our faith, if it is "built in sand," it will be washed away, and we will resort to our old habits. But if we build our faith on rock, on the Word of God, and pray and do our best to live in the example of Christ's love every day, our Christian habits are strengthened and reinforced, and we will persevere through difficult situations that challenge our faith in God.
What will you do this summer to help build your faith on the solid rock of Christ? What will you do with your family to help solidify the faith of your entire household? Maybe just spend time together on the beach and enjoy God's creation!
