August 21, 2016
21st Sunday Ordinary Time
The photograph of a forlorn boy rescued from the rubble of a bombed building in Aleppo, Syria shocks us – even when we have already seen so much horror. How can we “go out to all the world and tell the Good News†as we were just singing in the Responsorial Psalm? God has a special love for Jewish people but also sends the people of the covenant into the world to announce God’s mercy for all. There is an inclusive or universal dimension to God’s salvation that finds expression through the Prophet Isaiah. He envisions Jewish exiles returning to Jerusalem from Babylon as messengers inviting nations of every language to come and see God’s glory. The chosen ones have a calling to be “a light to the nations.â€
The letter to the Hebrews encourages those going through difficult times with “drooping hands and weak knees†to hope for healing. Soon after the death and resurrection of Jesus, his followers are discouraged!
In our Gospel today someone asks Jesus: “Lord will only a few be saved?†Jesus replies that we must “strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.†Surprisingly, Jesus will not recognize some disciples who assume they are close to Jesus. But others judged to be on the “outside†would enjoy his company. “For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first will be last.†God’s salvation is intended for all people from every nation. Even those we perceive to be unworthy can respond positively to God’s invitation and enter the Kingdom through the narrow door. Violence and cruelty mark humanity as the stain of sin but not as our final destiny. We believe God is good and this fundamental truth is at the heart of the cosmos. The world tempts us to consider evil more real than good. We are deceived and once deceived we become disillusioned.
The Book of Revelation offers the image of Jesus, the Risen Lord, standing at the door, the narrow gate. “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we shall share a meal together as friends.†Jesus is not keeping the door closed to shut us out but waiting for us to enter. When we pass through not only do we experience the love of the Father but also Jesus comes to abide with us. Jesus is the door – our threshold to eternal life.
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20th Sunday Ordinary Time
