today's other readings are Isaiah 26: 1-6 and Psalm 118
Anyone who has been involved in the construction of a new building or house knows the importance of a good foundation. And woe to those who do not do so. The rest of the building may be wonderfully built, using the best of materials and the best of craftmanship, but without a good sound foundation on rock, in time massive cracks will show up in the walls, and if not addressed quickly, the building, with time, will have some severe issues.
The people of Jesus' time knew this as well. This is why Jesus uses the image of the house built on rock versus the house built on sand. The former will withstand the worst of storms, and the latter will quickly collapse.
What are the faith foundations we need to ensure our own stability when challenging events come our way? What makes up the the rock we need to be built on? I like to think that this rock has 4 components: Prayer; a reliance on the Word of God; a regular reception of the sacraments of the church; and being part of a community of faith, such as our own parish.
Those 4 things will help us withstand the storms of life.