"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 who is in heaven."
For Catholics and all Christians, this verse prompts a deep reflection on the nature of faith, works, and the essence of true discipleship.
As we navigate our spiritual journeys, it is imperative to understand what this scripture means for our lives and how it shapes our understanding of Judgement Day.
Context of Matthew 7:21
This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus imparts fundamental teachings about the Kingdom of God. Throughout this sermon, Jesus emphasises the importance of inner righteousness over outward religious observance. He calls His followers to a higher standard, one that transcends mere lip service and religious formalities.
In Matthew 7:21, Jesus addresses the discrepancy between outward professions of faith and actual obedience to God's will. This verse serves as a warning against hypocrisy and a superficial faith that lacks genuine commitment and transformation. It reminds us that verbal declarations of faith are not enough; what truly matters is the alignment of our actions with God's will.
The Will of the Father
To understand whether the Lord will recognise us on Judgement Day, we must delve into what it means to do the will of the Father. In Catholic teaching, this encompasses both faith and works. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) states, "Faith without works is dead" (CCC 1815), echoing the epistle of James. True faith manifests in acts of love, mercy, and justice.
The will of the Father involves living out the Beatitudes, practising the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, and adhering to the commandments. It is about cultivating a personal relationship with Christ through prayer, sacraments, and the Church community. This holistic approach ensures that our faith is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative force in our lives.
The Danger of Self-Deception
Matthew 7:21 warns against self-deception. It is possible to believe that we are faithful simply because we participate in religious activities or use religious language. However, Jesus cautions that these outward signs do not guarantee entry into the Kingdom of Heaven. What matters is the authenticity of our faith and our commitment to living out God's will.
In the verses that follow (Matthew 7:22-23), Jesus describes a scenario where individuals claim to have prophesied, cast out demons, and performed miracles in His name, yet He declares, "I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" This striking passage underscores that even spectacular religious acts are insufficient if they are not rooted in a genuine relationship with Christ and obedience to His commandments.
Discernment and Self-Examination
As Catholics, we are called to continually examine our consciences and discern whether we are truly doing the will of the Father. This involves regular participation in the sacrament of Reconciliation, where we seek forgiveness for our sins and receive grace to amend our lives. Through prayer and reflection, we can ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where we fall short and need growth.
Additionally, the Church provides various means to assist in this discernment. Spiritual direction, retreats, and participation in the liturgical life of the Church are invaluable resources for deepening our understanding of God's will and aligning our lives with it.
The Role of Grace
It is crucial to recognise that our ability to do the will of the Father is not solely a matter of our own efforts. Grace plays an essential role in our salvation and sanctification. The Catechism teaches that grace is "the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call to become children of God, adoptive sons, partakers of the divine nature and of eternal life" (CCC 1996).
Through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we receive the grace necessary to grow in holiness and fulfil God's will. The Eucharist, the source and summit of the Christian life, nourishes us and strengthens our union with Christ, enabling us to live out our faith authentically.
Living Out Our Call
To ensure that the Lord recognises us on Judgement Day, we must strive to live out our baptismal call to holiness. This involves daily commitment to prayer, sacramental life, and acts of charity. It means being attentive to the needs of others, advocating for justice, and showing compassion to the marginalized and oppressed.
Pope Francis often emphasises the importance of mercy and encounter in the Christian life. He encourages us to go to the peripheries, to meet people where they are, and to be witnesses of God's love and mercy.
By embodying these principles, we can more faithfully do the will of the Father and prepare ourselves for the final judgement.
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Matthew 7:21 challenges us to reflect deeply on the authenticity of our faith and our commitment to doing God's will. It is a reminder that mere words and outward religious acts are insufficient; what counts is a heart transformed by grace and a life dedicated to following Christ's teachings.
As we journey towards Judgement Day, let us continually seek to align our lives with the will of the Father, trusting in His grace to guide and sustain us. In doing so, we can hope to hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," and be recognised by the Lord as true disciples.