21^st Sunday in Ordinary Time-C

I Reading: Isaiah 66:18-21: They will bring all your brothers from all the nations.

II Reading: Hebrews 12:5-7.11-13: The Lord trains the one that he loves.

Gospel: Luke 13:22-30: Men from east and west will come to take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Salvation cannot be taken for granted. It is given by God to those who respond in faith.

The Saved Discussed

Who are the saved? Will many be saved? Shall I be saved or shall I be lost? Jesus answers these questions in this passage. Faith teaches us that this earthly life will come to an end, and that death will introduce us into a new life that lasts forever with God.

To be “saved” means “to be with God in our present and future life” to see Him, to share His life and joy and peace. To be “lost” means not to be admitted into God’s presence and to be deprived of God’s life, joy and peace for ever. When we speak of “heaven” and “hell”, we are not speaking about places but of “states” (ways) of being: heaven means to be with God, while hell means to be deprived of Him. God wants and longs that everyone may be saved in heaven with Him and forever. It is up to each one of us to decide or choose whether to be saved or to be lost. We need to try to enter by the narrow door with humility and obedience to God’s teachings and commands. We cannot enter into heaven with pride, Selfishness, self-righteousness, disobedience to God’s will and teachings, jealousy, envy, hatred and all evil actions.

Jesus answers to challenge us so that we will make sure we are saved.

1. Jesus journeyed toward Jerusalem (v.22-23)

a. Taught in the cities and villages

b. Along the way someone questioned Jesus about salvation

2. The saved make every effort to enter the narrow door (v.24)

3. The saved act soon enough: A man move too late (v.25)

4. The saved are not the citizens of so-called Christian nations nor members of certain fellowships (v.26)

5. The saved shall be separated from the lost, and the lost shall see them enter God’s kingdom (v.27-28)

6. The saved will come from all nations and classes of society (v.29-30)

Thought: God wants everyone saved. If we wish to enter into heaven we must leave all evil actions and pride; instead we need a total obedience to God’s will and humility.

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