21st Week in Ordinary Time : Sunday 21st August 2022

What does it feel like to be disciplined by God? Once, a young man was looking forward to his first- ever strip tease show in the evening. However, he skidded on his speed bike and gashed his forehead during the day. Later he acknowledged that through the accident, it was clear that God did not want him to go for the show and had disciplined him for his unholy desire.

The writer to the Hebrews reminds us that God does indeed “correct … reprimand … punish …” (vv 5-6). Why? Because “the Lord trains the ones that He loves”; all those that God acknowledges as His children (v 6). Thus, the disciplinary sufferings bind us to God in a Father-child relationship. So let us not forget that we are God’s children; let us not treat God’s correction lightly, and let us not get discouraged when God reprimands us (v 5).

What’s the goal of God’s training of us through correction, reproof and punishment? It is that we become holy like God. It is God’s responsible love and commitment to us as our Heavenly Father that God allows us to suffer the consequences of divine discipline. When we can understand this, then we will not feel resentful but will repent of our sins and move on to committing ourselves to live holy lives. And more than that, we will grow steadily from weakness to strength (v 13); and live inspiring lives in the long run.

Lord, strong indeed is Your love for us; faithful forever indeed You are.