Daily Reflection – Aug 21, 2016
Sunday 21 August 2016
First Reading:
Isaiah 66:18-21
Responsorial Psalm:
Go out to all the world and tell the Good News
Psalm 116(117)
Second Reading: Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13
Gospel Reading: Luke 13:22-30
Today’s Note: Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel Reading:
Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
“Lord, will only a few people be saved?”
He answered them,
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.’
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.
And you will say,
‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’
Then he will say to you,
‘I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!’
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last.”
Reflection:
‘Will there only be a few saved?’
Jesus’ response to that question is to turn the focus on ourselves alone instead of being concerned with the salvation of others. God has always intended to include all the peoples of the earth in His plan for redemption. In Isaiah, God promises to gather all the nations and tongues into one and to proclaim His glory in all lands. When we strive to include others and to remove barriers and prejudices, we are really doing God’s work. When we set an example of compassion, holiness and justice, we are eloquently proclaiming the word of God.
We are to strive to enter through the narrow door, leaving behind our pride, greed, self-centredness and self-righteousness and placing our hope and trust in Jesus, the door. Jesus is always inviting us to a conversion of heart, to change the direction of our lives towards him.
The many trials that meet us in life are not intended as punishments but opportunities. If we are patient, loving, courageous, and upright in the face of adversity, we will be transformed more and more into the image of Christ. Let us meet the challenges of each day with eagerness.
Today’s Gospel passage suggests that there will come a time when it will be too late to change direction. There is an urgency in Jesus’ invitation to enter by the narrow door and to let go of all that hinders us from a complete conversion.
It is a narrow door indeed that leads to the kingdom of God. It is called love, humility, kindness, and service – there is no other way. No one has any special influence or privilege, and no one can bully or manipulate their way into the kingdom. In fact, we will be surprised, for some who are first now will be last, and those who are last will be first. God’s ways are very different from those of humans. Wealth, power, and achievements in this life mean very little unless they are exercised for the good of others.
May we take heed of Jesus’ warning and examine our hearts and minds to see if there is anything standing in the way of the narrow door.
“Lord, may I always be doing Your work.”
