First Reading: Isaiah 66:18-21

Reflection:

This Sunday’s first reading looks forward to the messianic age when the Lord would gather the nations to worship him. In the Old Testament, there was a clear distinction between Jews and Gentiles. The Jews were chosen by God to be in a covenant relationship with him. The Gentiles were all the other nations who did not worship the one, true God. Yet, God did not intend for the Gentiles to forever be excluded from his kingdom. In fact, even in the Old Testament, we see that the Jews were to be “a light to the nations.” In other words, the Jews were to bring God’s message to the whole world. But this did not come to fruition until Jesus came. With Jesus and the Church, we see the message going out to all nations. In fact, some of Jesus’ last words to the Apostles before he ascended into heaven were “Go and make disciples of all nations.” That is what is prophesied about in this reading from Isaiah. God intended to “gather nations of every language” to worship him. We’ll see that message again proclaimed by Jesus in this Sunday’s gospel reading. And we see that reality in the Church. In fact, the word “Catholic” means universal and indicates that the Church, which is the kingdom of God, is intended for people of all nations, Jew or Gentile alike.

Second Reading: Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13

Reflection:

This passage follows on the heels of last Sunday’s reading from Hebrews which spoke of the Christian life as a race in which we must fix our eyes Jesus, just as a runner would fix their eyes on the finish line. This passage speaks of discipline with that race illustration in mind and also with the analogy of discipline within a family. Athletes must discipline themselves in order to succeed, often committing to grueling workout routines in order to train their bodies to be at their top athletic ability. In the Christian life, we too must be disciplined. We are running the race of faith with the goal of heaven (much more important than being an accomplished athlete!). How much more, then, must we have spiritual discipline. For example, we need to have a consistent prayer life, participate regularly in the sacramental life of the church, and grow in our understanding and practice of the faith. This takes effort and we must discipline ourselves in order to succeed. And God is a loving Father who disciplines us through various trials in order to strengthen us and help us stay on course.

Gospel Reading: Luke 13:22-30

Reflection:

The question posed to Jesus in the gospel reading could have been posed with Jews versus Gentiles in mind. The “few” were the Jews who lived in a predominantly Gentile world. Will only they be saved or did God have a bigger picture in mind? Jesus does not answer the question directly but turns it back on the questioner to ask a more important question: Will you be saved? In essence, he teaches that just because the inquirer is Jewish he should not assume that he will be saved. He must “strive to enter through the narrow gate.” In fact, when Jesus says, “some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last,” he is likely delineating between Jews and Gentiles again. The “first” are the Jews because they were the first to receive the revelation of God and be in a covenant relationship with him. The “last” are the Gentiles because they came late to the table to receive the truth of God. But some of the “last” will be “first” and the “first” will be “last.” In other words, some Gentiles will be welcomed into the kingdom and some Jews will “miss the boat.” We see this dynamic played out in the early Church (as recorded in the book of Acts). Many Gentiles accepted the good news of Jesus Christ and became full members of the Church. But many Jews rejected Jesus and, therefore, were not part of the Church. And in the Church today, we have people “from the east and the west and from the north and the south.” People of all nations are welcome in the Catholic (which means universal) Church. This is, as we saw in the first reading, what God always intended for his kingdom. But just because we are part of the Church does not guarantee our salvation. We too must “strive to enter through the narrow gate,” which is Jesus. Our relationship with him is most important. Are you seeking Jesus above all else?

Application:

  • Our relationship with Jesus is most important thing in life, for He is the “narrow gate” through which we must enter to find salvation. Are you seeking Jesus above all else in life?
  • Create a discipleship habits plan to be disciplined in your spiritual life and grow in your relationship with Christ. You could use the document found here as a guide.