Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Thursday of the 12th week in ordinary time, June 26, 2025

Delivered by Elyanne from the Parish of Saint James in the Diocese of Surabaya, Indonesia. Genesis 16: 1-12.15-16; Rs psalm 106: 1-2.3-4a.4b-5; Matthew 7: 21-29.TEACHING WITH ACTIONS Our meditation today is entitled:Teaching with Actions. The father of faith who is depicted so famous in thescriptures, Abraham, was asked by God proof of the firmness of his faith. ThenAbraham showed it by sacrificing his own son Isaac. Another story in the oldtestament which also illustrates the power of faith is the fight of the prophetElijah against hundreds of evil powers namely Baal. Elijah showed it in a a celebrationof his faith as he offered sacrifice of burnt offerings. In the new testament, the beginning ofthe Gospel of Luke describes the profile of the Virgin Mary, which in all herstories really shows that she acted and perfomed her faith according to will ofGod. The apostle Peter who was caught in confusion and error, misleading inthought and words, was rebuked strongly by Jesus because his fragile faith. Inthe end after Jesus ascended to heaven, he abandoned all failures andobscurities then dedicated all his life only to Jesus Christ and the growth ofthe Church. We give all these descriptions tounderline the words that Jesus tells us today, namely the spiritual building -the individuals of every follower of Christ - must be strong and firm built on thefoundation that is also strong and firm. Jesus Christ desires that His everyfollower, as expressed extensively in the scriptures, is the one who hears theword of God, understands it, and finally can carry it out in the real action oflife. Indeed, our own growth of faith can bestrong and last forever because it can bear fruit, namely in all actions andinvolvements. In a real life context, someone who is full of work experiences,will be needed in the company and the world of works, when compared to thosewho have just graduated from study. Someone who has a lot of experience inmanaging government, will be the teacher who will teach those who are new togovernment activities. So the principle that has beencommonly followed, when a performance determines how someone is trusted, morethan a document that contains description of the concept and its analysis. Theteaching given to children, students or beginners needs to be implemented in aprocess of showing ways to do and giving examples, rather than lecturing andinstructing that are full with words and writings. Therefore Jesus in His Wordtoday confirms that our lives will be very useful, successful and last forever,because we can carry out His Word and practice His commandments. Let's pray. In the name of theFather ... O God almighty, bless our life and work, especially today, so thatthrough words and actions we may present you in this world. Glory to the Fatherand to the Son and to the Holy Spirit ... In the name of the Father ...