Sunday, August 21, 2016

Aug 21 - Homily for Today

+ Perhaps a very valid and burning question is: considering the state of the world, considering the state of the Church, considering what justice demands: LORD, WILL ONLY A FEW BE SAVED? This is most definitely a “loaded question” and a serious one! More appropriately the question might read: LORD, WILL I BE AMONG THE ONES WHO ARE SAVED ON THAT LAST DAY?

Jesus, in the gospel passage, wisely does not answer the question directly. He does not say: YES, or NO! Because, he actually doesn’t really know! Since, we each cooperate in our own salvation – the final tally is still very much up in the air. It is up to us in the final analysis to either seek “the real way, the real truth and the real life” or not!

Strive to enter through the narrow gate: Jesus advises in the gospel passage - which is only for the spiritually disciplined and strong – this includes those who have “endured trials because of their faith.” Being in the right place at the right time at the end of our lives will not guarantee us entrance into the kingdom (just shouting Lord, Lord, here I am! will not be enough); but being a humble person, who tried to live the best he could, a life of prayer / action / joy for others will lead straight to the fore-gate of God’s throne!

Therefore, being “strong enough” as Jesus would have it, means being willing to accept our utter weakness and total dependence on God for everything we need to live our lives. And then, to live outstanding lives in the service of God! When we acknowledge ourselves as weak, it is then that we are truly strong to do his will!

The second reading today tells us the discipline that is needed to form us in our spiritual weakness. Weak does not mean incapacitated! Weak simply means it can only be God’s wisdom and will and ways that can make us truly strong enough to battle our way through this world’s wiles (and there are so many of them out there beyond the walls of this place). He alone can strengthen our drooping hands and weak knees, guiding us along straight paths, where our disjointed feet may be healed – so that we may honor God and give him glory by the lives of holiness and helpfulness that we lead!

All nations are invited to salvation – not “just a few” – as our first reading tells us; but these same nations must present themselves before the Lord with docility, humility and openheartedness and willingness to be formed and disciplined by a loving Father – just as we must.  We are all called to holiness - and when we demonstrate that we are beginning to truly be holy people, then God will be glorified as is his due, and we will be that much closer to attaining our place with him as a community of love, justice and peace residing deep inside his amazing heart!


God bless you!

No comments:

Happy New Year 202

  A Happy New Year to you all! I hope and pray I am able to keep this blog up to date now that we are entering into the New Year! I would li...