21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C, Year II)
Community Word:
True followers of Christ remain faithful, vigilant, persevering and humble servants in building God’s Kingdom.
Theme:
We build God’s Kingdom when we endure trials and suffering in following Christ.
Promise:
“…the fidelity of the Lord endures forever.”(Ps 117:2)
Reflection:
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough,” (Luke 13: 24). This statement of Jesus is both challenging and encouraging and is the basis of our theme for the week: We build God’s kingdom when we endure trials and sufferings in following Christ.
Growing as true Disciples of Christ is indeed a challenging task. Jesus explains that it is not easy to be a Christian, for being one entails trials and sacrifices throughout one’s journey of faith. We have to walk through the “narrow door” each day and that door is no other than Jesus Himself. He says, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father, except through me,” (Jn 14:6). Following His teachings and examples is the only way by which we can enter the “narrow gate.” He prepares us by discipline, a process of education, and learning from experiences that we go through in life.
In the 2nd reading, St. Paul exhorts the Hebrews, “My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines…endure your trials as ‘discipline’…,” (Heb 12:5-7). God’s motivation is love for His children. He is a like a loving parent who allows us to experience discomfort or even pain so that, as we endure difficulties and obstacles along the way, we may become stronger Christians.
In the Gospel reading, Jesus is asked about who will be saved. He uses the imagery of a narrow gate, which is difficult to pass through, to remind us that we cannot presume to be worthy of entering God’s kingdom. Some may think that we no longer need Godwhen we fall into the trap of self-righteousness. Some may lack the desire to have a relationship with Him because they see no hope in their circumstance or situation and have given up to despair. Some may be reluctant to let go of a life attached to worldly concerns. Entering the narrow gate to holiness requires faithfulness, obedience, perseverance and humble service.
The challenge for us then is to understand the right perspective of God’s plan for our lives. God is preparing us to enter His Kingdom in heaven while we are tasked to build His Kingdom on earth.We should strive to submit ourselves to discipline and self-control through daily effort, patience, faith and hope in God. We must imitate Jesus, who in His life on earth, suffered not for Himself but for others. Jesus is ready to help us through the narrow path and He journeys with us every step of the way. In short, we are called to have a loving relationship with Him.In our community, we receive spiritual guidance through our Christian teachings and reflection on God’s word. We are exhorted to pray with perseverance, receive the sacraments of Holy Communion and Reconciliation as often as possible, and attend weekly worship and word sharing. We are encouraged to be obedient to pastoral authority, actively participate in mission and charitable works, and practice generous giving.
Finally, we must be as compassionate as our Master and Teacher is and be ready to minister to those who journey with us, so that at end of the road when we have entered through the “narrow gate,” we will rejoice with all those who are finally welcomed into God’s eternal presence. Let us remember that God has given us faith and hope to make it through the narrow gate of Christian suffering because He promises,“…. the fidelity of the Lord endures forever,” (Ps 117: 2). We shall respond with the declaration of St. Paul: “Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong,” (2 Cor 12:10). Life’s journey is tempered by difficulties and challenges which are not the end of the road but great opportunities to draw closer to God who, in His mercy and love, is our real strength.
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for giving us Jesus,who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We ask for your forgiveness when we have neglected to seek Your help or given up hope in the midst of our trials. Continue to pour upon us the gifts of Your Spirit especially faith, hope, compassion, patience and love. We praise You and give You glory for Your steadfast kindness toward us. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
1. What difficulties and hardships have I encountered in my personal, family and/ or community life? Did I consider these my trials in my walk of faith in the Lord? Did I see my sufferings as opportunities?
2. While serving in community, do I allow the Lord to prune the excesses of my life and be disciplined in His ways so that I may become a stronger follower of Christ?
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
August 21, 2016 (Sun) Is 66:18-21/Ps 117:1,2/Heb 12:5-7,11-13/Lk 13:22-30
August22, 2016 (Mon) 2 Thes 1:1-5,11,12/Ps 96:1-5/Mt 23:13-22
August 23, 2016 (Tue) 2 Thes 2:1-3,14-17/Ps 96:10,11-12,13/Mt 23:23-26
August 24, 2016 (Wed) Rv 21:-14/Ps 145:10-18/Jn 1:45-51
August 25, 2016 (Thu) 1Cor 1:1-9/Ps 145:2-7/Mt 24:42-51
August 26, 2016 (Fri) 1 Cor 1:17-25/Ps 33:1-2,4,5,10,11/Mt 25:1-13
August 27, 2016 (Sat) 1 Cor 1:26-31/Ps 33:12-13,18-21/Mt 25:14-30
“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”
WSC Reflection 21 August 2016 Final
