22 Aug
Sun
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
Is. 66:18-21
Ps. 117:1-2
Heb. 12:5-7, 11-13
Lk. 13:22-30
(Ps Wk I)
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'Will there be only a few saved?' The question asked of Jesus in today's Gospel was the subject of many a learned debate in the rabbinical schools; it is a question that has occurred to most of us at some time. But it is the wrong question that Jesus refuses to answer it. The question that should be asked is not how many are saved but how does one attain salvation? Jesus' answer to this question is direct and simple: the door to salvation is a narrow one and only those who are prepared to make a serious effort will enter it.

In the parable the door is already locked and there are people outside trying to get in but it is too late. Their urgent appeals fall on deaf ears; the master of the house denies any acquaintance with them. The message of the parable is that entry to the kingdom of Jesus cannot be gained on the basis of any purely external connection with Him. The only thing that matters is the quality of one's personal life and commitment - love.

Love shows itself in deeds rather than in words. Jesus tells us quite clearly: "If you love me, keep my commandments". Unless we are seriously trying to do this, we are simply deluding ourselves. So in sincerity and truth we must seek God - love.

Just as Isaiah tells us that the Lord is coming to gather the people of all the nations, so too does Jesus speak of people coming from the four corners of the earth to enter the Kingdom of God.



Lord, give me the grace to show my love for You not only in my words but also in the way I live my life.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That the European Union may know how to draw new nourishment from the Christian patrimony which has been an essential part of its culture and history.
Elaboration

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