22 Aug
Sun
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
Is. 66:18-21
Ps. 116(117): 1,2
Heb. 12:5-7,11-13
Lk. 13:22-30
(Ps Wk I)
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 
 

"Will there be only a few saved?" That question put to Jesus might stand for all of the 'theory' questions we ask of God or of ourselves in times of doubt, in anxiety, in fear, maybe in self-justification or just in curiosity. Jesus didn't answer directly, and neither does our Father, because it's really irrelevant: counting heads doesn't matter. And comparing ourselves with other people, favourably or not, is also irrelevant. What matters is not learning an item of information but acting rightly, choosing the right road, the right door to enter, the company of Jesus. It's a narrow door, Jesus said. To find it and keep going requires perseverance and staying with Him on the way. There are no 'easy rides' and no short cuts to avoid the pain of the world, the suffering of people, Jesus' way of the cross. We go His way and with Him, or we don't get there. There are no complimentary tickets to salvation, no reserved seats at the banquet of the Kingdom. It's been said: "If you have not paradise in the depth of your heart, don't hope to enter there." People who think themselves to be important, to be the best, the first, the chosen, will find themselves last because they've lost the way, perhaps even lost the Way.



Lord Jesus, keep me close to You on my journey, keep reminding me that Yours is the road I need to go by, and that You are the gateway to my fullness of life, my peace and my joy with the Father.

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 those who are unemployed, homeless, or in any serious need may find welcome, understanding, and help in overcoming their difficulties.
Elaboration

- END -


© Copyright Shalom 2010. All rights reserved.