Today we have interesting readings: the first is about obedience – the second about the requirements for being "saved." Actually, they are about the same thing: the informed decision to live as true disciples of Christ.
On the one hand, if we learn obedience from our parents and then apply it throughout our entire lives, if we voluntarily consider ourselves as obedient "salves of Christ" – then we will be poised and primed to obey what really matters – the laws of God, especially the new law of loving God and others as we have been loved by Christ. But then we actually have to do it love God, love others – not just remained poised to do it!
On the other hand, if we only "pal around with Jesus" – simply take note of how he ate and drank in our company and taught in our streets – and then claim that association as a valid reason to enter heaven at the end of our lives - without actually living the life he proposed – we may be counting ourselves among the first who will be last, if they will even be there at all.
As many people can be saved
who desire to cooperate in their own salvation – is now the rule – because Jesus did come and eat and drink with us, and teach in our streets, and died on a cross for us, and rose from the dead. Not that we can save ourselves without him – but now we must choose to participate in the redemption he won for us - or it will not apply to us!
The Lord is faithful in all his words. May we be faithful today in our response to his words: by always choosing to cooperate in the means he gives us to live full, happy, rich, abundant and peacefilled lives – as we await the great day of incorporation into the great Kingdom of Heaven!
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