The Gospel today invites us to do a stock check on our relationship with Jesus. We address Him with the title "Lord", but what are the implications of that title?

The Lordship of Jesus Christ when extended to our lives implies that it is He, who is in control of our lives. Our direction, our ways of thinking and living must all emanate from a close, living relationship with our Lord and Master. It is Jesus who must become our foundation of rock. The wiles of the world will not destabilise us if our faith is centred on Him.

A good way to test whether we have truly allowed Jesus to be our personal Lord is to consider whether our lives bear good fruit. For instance, if the values of Jesus' kingdom - justice, truth, love and peace are evident in our lives, then we may be confident with regard to our foundation.

Let us therefore follow the example of St Paul. Acknowledging himself as a sinner, he surrendered his life to Jesus and through it, Jesus was glorified. Through the good deeds in his life Paul became a witness and an example to others.