Readings for the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 Is 66:18-21
At the surface we hear the Prophet’s oracle summoning people from all the nations to Zion. From our view, understanding the mission of the Messiah and the Apostles, we hear God’s universal invitation to the Kingdom of God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 117:1, 2
R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
Psalm 117 is the shortest of the psalms. In it we hear the call to praise God for his offer of salvation is eternal.
Reading II Heb 12:5-7, 11-13
St. Paul encourages the Hebrew Christians to look at the persecution they endure not as a fall from favor but rather as a means by which the Lord strengthens them as his adopted children. He calls them to remain faithful in the face of these trials so that God’s work may continue in them.
Gospel Lk 13:22-30
Jesus has just told the Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast and the questioner is asking if many will be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus’ answer has two levels of meaning. Entering through the “narrow gate” implies that there is but one set of directions that must be followed to achieve heaven. He says many will attempt to follow these directions but will not be able to because they are difficult.
The Lord’s example of the Master locking the door is an analogy for the end times, the eschaton, when final judgment will be leveled against those who seek entry to the heavenly kingdom. Reminiscent of the first reading from Isaiah, we hear that people from all over the world will be called. He concludes saying that some of the last (called to discipleship) will be first (have higher places of honor) and vice versa.
Reflection:
The message today is clear, we are all called to a difficult path and many will find it too heard. One of the great heartbreaks of a parent who is faithful to their religion is watching their child grow up and reject that faith. It happens more that anyone would care to admit. We do our best to show them the path. We take them with us to Church and social events sponsored by our faith communities but so often the secular path is so much easier and so much more fun, as soon as they are able, they turn away.
Sometimes, if we are lucky, they find a way back. God is merciful and his invitation is always open. The very lucky ones find the support they need and accept the discipline of the faith. The unlucky ones continue to flail about with that empty space inside, never knowing what it is that can fill it.
We have said before that God’s path is difficult. He asks us to place others before ourselves. He asks that we turn the other cheek. He asks that we serve others and decline to be served. He asks us to put Him first and tells us that material things are not important. All of these things he asks and they are directly the opposite of what the world holds up as the way to success.
As if this were not enough, we as Catholics, add another layer of discipline to insure our faith is constantly being measured, evaluated and our course corrected. We have the rules that insure we seek the Lord at least weekly in the Eucharist. When we fail to live up to Christ’s perfect example, when we consciously fail to love, we are called to be reconciled, sacramentally. We are asked to give financially to support others in our community that are in need and we are expected be present during special remembrances of our Lord and those he has called to be beacons of faith.
We are called indeed to a difficult path and only the strongest will be able to follow it to its final destination. The really good news, however, is that we have the Lord’s help. Not only can we always come back, but once we are there, the Holy Spirit, His promised aid, well support us in our labors.
Today we pledge once more to stay the difficult course and to be an instrument of God’s love, reminding all we meet that the invitation is always open. We pray that our example will be that invitation and our love for others be the help they need to accept it.
Pax
[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The difficult way – found somewhere on the web but no citation attached – let me know if you can give me the artist and date.
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 Is 66:18-21
At the surface we hear the Prophet’s oracle summoning people from all the nations to Zion. From our view, understanding the mission of the Messiah and the Apostles, we hear God’s universal invitation to the Kingdom of God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 117:1, 2
R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
Psalm 117 is the shortest of the psalms. In it we hear the call to praise God for his offer of salvation is eternal.
Reading II Heb 12:5-7, 11-13
St. Paul encourages the Hebrew Christians to look at the persecution they endure not as a fall from favor but rather as a means by which the Lord strengthens them as his adopted children. He calls them to remain faithful in the face of these trials so that God’s work may continue in them.
Gospel Lk 13:22-30
Jesus has just told the Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast and the questioner is asking if many will be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus’ answer has two levels of meaning. Entering through the “narrow gate” implies that there is but one set of directions that must be followed to achieve heaven. He says many will attempt to follow these directions but will not be able to because they are difficult.
The Lord’s example of the Master locking the door is an analogy for the end times, the eschaton, when final judgment will be leveled against those who seek entry to the heavenly kingdom. Reminiscent of the first reading from Isaiah, we hear that people from all over the world will be called. He concludes saying that some of the last (called to discipleship) will be first (have higher places of honor) and vice versa.
Reflection:
The message today is clear, we are all called to a difficult path and many will find it too heard. One of the great heartbreaks of a parent who is faithful to their religion is watching their child grow up and reject that faith. It happens more that anyone would care to admit. We do our best to show them the path. We take them with us to Church and social events sponsored by our faith communities but so often the secular path is so much easier and so much more fun, as soon as they are able, they turn away.
Sometimes, if we are lucky, they find a way back. God is merciful and his invitation is always open. The very lucky ones find the support they need and accept the discipline of the faith. The unlucky ones continue to flail about with that empty space inside, never knowing what it is that can fill it.
We have said before that God’s path is difficult. He asks us to place others before ourselves. He asks that we turn the other cheek. He asks that we serve others and decline to be served. He asks us to put Him first and tells us that material things are not important. All of these things he asks and they are directly the opposite of what the world holds up as the way to success.
As if this were not enough, we as Catholics, add another layer of discipline to insure our faith is constantly being measured, evaluated and our course corrected. We have the rules that insure we seek the Lord at least weekly in the Eucharist. When we fail to live up to Christ’s perfect example, when we consciously fail to love, we are called to be reconciled, sacramentally. We are asked to give financially to support others in our community that are in need and we are expected be present during special remembrances of our Lord and those he has called to be beacons of faith.
We are called indeed to a difficult path and only the strongest will be able to follow it to its final destination. The really good news, however, is that we have the Lord’s help. Not only can we always come back, but once we are there, the Holy Spirit, His promised aid, well support us in our labors.
Today we pledge once more to stay the difficult course and to be an instrument of God’s love, reminding all we meet that the invitation is always open. We pray that our example will be that invitation and our love for others be the help they need to accept it.
Pax
[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The difficult way – found somewhere on the web but no citation attached – let me know if you can give me the artist and date.
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