Today we are struck by Jesus's emphatic statement: “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 in heaven” (Mt 7:21). At the very least, this statement calls us to responsibility in our condition as Christians, while at the same time making us feel the urgency to bear good witness to the faith.

Building the house on rock is a clear image that invites us to value our commitment of faith, which cannot be limited to mere beautiful words, but must be founded on the authority of works, imbued with charity. One of these days in June, the Church commemorates the life of Saint Pelagius, martyr of chastity, on the threshold of youth. Saint Bernard, recalling Pelagius's life, tells us in his treatise on the customs and ministry of bishops: “Chastity, however beautiful it may be, has no value or merit without charity. Purity without love is like a lamp without oil; but wisdom says: How beautiful is wisdom with love! With that love of which the Apostle speaks: the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith.”

The clear word, with the power of charity, manifests the authority of Jesus, which aroused awe in his fellow citizens: “The crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes” (Mt 7:28-29). Our prayer and contemplation today should be accompanied by a serious reflection: How do I speak and act in my life as a Christian? How do I put my faith into practice? How do I put the commandment of love into practice in my personal, family, and professional life, and so on? It is not words or empty prayers that matter, but the effort to live according to God’s Plan. Our prayer should always express our desire to do good and a request for help, since we recognize our weakness.

—Lord, may our prayer always be accompanied by the power of charity.