Genesis 16:1-12, 15-16 / Matthew 7:21-29
Very often, in the intricacy of our human relationships, we want to embark on the most pragmatic plan that will bring about the maximum benefits for all.
It is what they would call the win-win situation. But how often have these so-called win-win situations worked in the long term?
In the 1st reading, we heard of how Sarai came up with a pragmatic plan so that it would be a win-win situation for her and Abram and Hagar the slave-girl.
But man's ways are often not God's ways and in the end, that supposedly win-win plan turned into ruins.
So does it mean that we don't plan at all and just wait for things to happen?
Surely we must plan, but the question is that are our plans in accordance with God's will?
Today's gospel can be summed up in one phrase - doing God's will.
The kingdom of God is not about being pragmatic or practical or about winning.
The kingdom of God is about knowing the will of God and doing it.
It is about trusting God as we go through the narrow gate and walking the long hard road.