Sand Castles

Readings for Wednesday October 28, 2009

Feasts of Saints Simon and Jude, apostles

First Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19
Gospel: Luke 6:12--16


You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. (Eph 2:19-22)

Sand castles are great fun for both kids and adults; and in fact some people actually make a living doing sand sculptures. But as much fun as they are and as spectacular as people may make them, sand castles have three main adversaries: water, wind, and bullies. Whenever water hits, the sand immediately turns clumpy and breaks apart. When the wind blows it begins to chip away and erode the sand creation. We have all seen the local bully who finds great delight in wrecking a perfectly good sand castle, apparently the mote around them doesn't completely protect the castle. While sand castles may bring a lot of fun in our lives, they also teach us an important lesson, things that do not have a solid base can be easily destroyed by the things of this world.

Unlike the instability and weakness of sand, our faith is built upon solid rock. Our faith is built upon a solid foundation of which no man or earthly thing can destroy or wear down. Our faith is "built upon the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone." (Eph 2:20) We should take great comfort in knowing that the foundation of the faith we share is something that cannot be eroded, worn down, broken, cracked, chipped, or damaged in any way. It is perfect and it is something that will always provide stability in our lives. If we truly rely on our faith in Christ (and not on ourselves), and realize the solid foundation of which we are on; then we will realize that we can weather any storm, or anything that anyone might try and throw at us; because our faith is based on Christ himself of which there is nothing more powerful or as mighty as Him.

Saints Simon and Jude, pray for us that we might live this life with the courage and the zeal of which you were blessed.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Thank you for all of your love and blessings in our life. Lord, we are not deserving of your mercy and forgiveness, but you give t to us anyway freely. Lord, we thank you and pray for the courage to follow you wherever you lead us. We pray for all of our religious and all of our priests. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.