TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME AUGUST 21, 2022

MASS READINGS

A reading of the holy Gospel according to Lk 13:22-30

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

"Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough."

Major accomplishments take time, discipline, devotion and dedication. A marathon runner practices, eats healthy and perseveres. Weight loss requires discipline, healthy choices and exercise. Success in learning requires study, knowledge, understanding and application. Getting to heaven is not just purchasing a ticket on the first tram or speed dialing to the head of the line with passes. It takes persevering love for God. It requires saying "yes" to God.

Original sin brought us pride and selfishness. Without God and His redemption, hatred, isolation and destruction follow. Because of what Jesus did in obeying His Father's will, we find the focal point in our life to be God. He will show us His glory, He will gather us up and send His disciples to witness to all what He has done.

Our entry into heaven is on His terms. He tells us to "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough."

We need to work on those biceps and pick up the bible and study it. We need to read, study and understand what the Word is telling us.

We need to work on those triceps and pick up the heavy load that others have to carry and give them a helping hand.

We need to understand the Will of God and follow it, putting into action the Beatitudes, the corporal works of mercy, a prayerful life filled with conversations with God.

Loving Him with all our being and loving our neighbor as we love ourselves is a good work bench to balance our lives. With this intent we lift up our drooping hands, bend down and strengthen our knees in carrying a fellow brother, and get those arthritic feet walking toward heaven with another soul in tow. With charity and joy we lift up that soul who needs encouragement, companionship, and who is fatigued with life.

Go out to all the world and tell the good news.

(Psalm 117)

God Bless You