Obedience Over Expediency – Foundations of Faith

Gen 16:1-12.15-16; Psalm: 105; Mt 7:21-29

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, today, we will reflect on Obedience Over Expediency. It is a reminder that our journey in faith is not a matter of convenience but a commitment to trust and follow God’s will in our lives. Let’s begin with a poignant story from Genesis 16. Here we find Abraham and Sarai, who, after years of waiting for God’s promised child, succumb to impatience. They take matters into their own hands, leading to the birth of Ishmael through Hagar. This decision, born out of human calculation, results in suffering and division, a reminder that when we act outside of God’s timing, we often create complications that ripple through generations. Ishmael, the fruit of unfaithfulness, represents our tendency to seek quick solutions instead of waiting for God’s perfect plan. Have we not all faced moments where we have tried to force a situation, convinced that we know better than God? This story teaches us that expediency can lead to unintended consequences, and what we think is a solution might actually be a stumbling block.

Now let us turn to the New Testament, specifically Matthew chapter 7. Here we find Jesus speaking about the shocking rejection of those who claim to know Him but lack true obedience. The words are sobering, for Jesus declares, “Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven.” This is a call to examine our hearts. Are we merely performing religious acts, or are we truly living out our faith? The obedience gap is real, and it is a challenge for each one of us. Jesus presents us with two foundations: the rock and the sand. The wise man builds on the rock, which stands firm in the storms of life. The foolish man builds on the sand, which collapses under pressure. This is a stark reminder that our faith must be sturdy, rooted in obedience to God’s Word and not swayed by the winds of convenience. Beloved, trust demands obedience. When we trust God, we will naturally want to obey Him. This connection is vital in our walk with Christ.

As we reflect on our own lives, let us confront our Hagar solutions. What are those areas where we have taken matters into our own hands? We must audit our obedience. Are we truly following the path God has laid out for us, or are we sidestepping His will for the sake of our comfort? We are called to build on the rock daily. This means immersing ourselves in Scripture, praying earnestly, and seeking God’s guidance in every decision we make. It means healing broken bonds with others, for when we choose to obey God’s command to love one another, we restore what was fractured. Lastly, let us seek the Father’s will, not spiritual applause. It is easy to become distracted by what the world values. Remember that God sees our hearts and desires our true obedience over mere appearances. So today, let us recommit ourselves to a life of obedience. May we choose to trust God fully, waiting patiently for His promises to unfold, and in doing so, we lay the true foundations of our faith that will stand the test of time. Amen.

St. John Chrysostom observes: “See the evil born of despair!… They preferred human stratagems to God’s faithfulness” (Homilies on Genesis 38.1).

Pope Francis warns: “When we take God’s place, we ruin everything… Our impatience poisons relationships” (Homily, June 19, 2016).

St. Augustine notes: “The son of the slave symbolizes the earthly Jerusalem… born of fleshly desire, not divine promise” (City of God 15.2).

St. Robert Bellarmine clarifies: “It is not enough to praise God with the tongue; we must obey Him with the heart” (The Art of Dying Well, Ch. 2).

Pope Benedict XVI explains: “The difference between salvation and ruin is whether one does the Father’s will… building life on His Word” (Jesus of Nazareth, Vol. 1, p. 180).

St. Teresa of Avila warns: “A foundation of prayer without works of obedience is like sand… swept away by the first trial” (The Way of Perfection, 21.2).

St. Francis de Sales unites both readings:

“Abraham’s misery teaches us: God’s promises are fulfilled not by our ingenuity but by our surrender. The house built on rock is the soul that waits on the Lord and walks in His commands.”
(Treatise on the Love of God, Bk. 8, Ch. 4)