The story in 2 Kings 24:8-17 describes the Babylonian exile, which is seen as the result of long-term unfaithfulness of the Judaeans towards God. Judah was invaded by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, and eventually fell into the hands of the Babylonians. After the fall, Nebuchadnezzar plundered the temple and the royal treasures, and deported the king and his royal family, all the skilled craftsmen and workers, with the soldiers and the elites, into Babylon. They not only lost their temple but also entered into a long-term spiritual crisis. What do I learn from this reading?

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus said not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of God. It addresses the key issue here - between authentic obedience versus empty profession. What is important is the doing of the Will of the Father, like the wise builder who builds on rock rather than the foolish builder who builds on sand.

Today, let us reflect on our lives in relation to the Babylonian exile. Are we building our lives, our relationship with God, on rocks or on sand? It is important not just to know God's Will, but also to live it out consistently in our daily life. Let us not repeat the mistake of those that led to the exile. Let us live by obedience and trust in God.