The Scribes and Pharisees only explained the law, and laid open the promises of Moses, whereas our Saviour gives new laws, and makes new promises in his own name; But I say to you, &c. The energy also with which our Saviour spoke, together with the miracles which he wrought, had far greater influence on the minds of the people than the frigid manner in which the Scribes delivered their doctrines. (Menochius) read more
Nothing can be more foolish than to raise an edifice on sand: it carries punishment with it, causing indeed abundance of labour, but yielding neither reward nor repose. The slaves of malice, luxury, and voluptuousness, labour in the pursuit of their desires, yet not only receive no reward, but, on the contrary, the greatest punishment. They sow in the flesh, from the flesh they shall reap corruption. (Galatians vi.) (St. John Chrysostom, hom. xxv.) read more
Such again shall be the end of all false prophets. Their death shall be in the same proportion, ignominious and miserable, as their life had been glorious and attractive. They shall be punished with so much greater severity, than others, as their sins have proceeded from greater knowledge and greater malice. (Haydock) read more
21-29 Christ here shows that it will not be enough to own him for our Master, only in word and tongue. It is necessary to our happiness that we believe in Christ, that we repent of sin, that we live a holy life, that we love one another. This is his will, even our sanctification. Let us take heed of resting in outward privileges and doings, lest we deceive ourselves, and perish eternally, as multitudes do, with a lie in our right hand. Let every one that names the name of Christ, depart from... read more
Matthew 7 THE LORD’S TEACHINGS, recorded in Matthew 6.0 , were designed to lead His disciples into such relations with their Father in heaven, that He would fill their thoughts, whether in regard to their almsgiving, their prayers, their fastings, or their attitude to the possessions and needs of this life. Matthew 7.0 opens with teachings that would regulate their dealings with their brethren, and even with the ungodly. The judging of one’s brother is a very deep-seated tendency in our... read more
A concluding parable: v. 24. Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock; v. 25. and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock, v. 26. And every one that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand; v. 27. and the rain... read more
IIIDirections how to avoid the errors and sins of the Pharisees and scribes, and to enter upon the way which leads into the kingdom of heaven. Practical order of grace.—Conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount.Matthew 7:7-29( Matthew 7:15-23 the Gospel for the 8th Sunday after Trinity.)7Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened4 [it... read more
Building on Secure Foundations Matthew 7:24-29 In the Syrian summer, when the soil is baked hard by the intense heat, any spot will serve equally well as the site of a house. No one can say whether his neighbor has built well or ill-only the builder knows. But in the winter the rain falls in torrents and the valleys are filled with foaming floods, which sap all foundations that have not gripped the living rock. To believe about Christ is not enough; we must believe in Him. We must come to... read more
After thus enunciating the laws of the Kingdom, and bringing men into the realm of direct dealing with God, the King authoritatively set up the standard of judgment. No man is to be his brother's judge. He cannot, first because he can never know all the facts of the case, and, further, because '' his own need is so great that any time occupied in censorious criticism is so much taken from the all-important work of attending to his own "beam." And yet there is to be discrimination in dealing... read more
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George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Matthew 7:24
In the Greek text, "I will compare him;" an apposite comparison, to shew the necessity of good works. It is the duty of each individual to erect this spiritual edifice of good works in the interior of his soul, which may be able to resist all the attacks of our spiritual enemy: whilst those men who have true faith and no works are compared to a fool, and are sure to perish. (Menochius) ---Here again our Saviour dispenses his rewards to such as order their lives according to his instructions;... read more