21st Week in Ordinary Time: Sunday 25th August 2019

Jerusalem was in ruins after the Babylonian captivity. Some Jews had remained, but many had been taken to Babylon. The returning captives were like refugees. The Jews were devastated as there was no temple where sacrifices could be given. Isaiah, the prophet, was encouraging the people that God was in charge, that God was present everywhere and that God desired to bring salvation to all people.

The author of Hebrews reminded the people that as their Father, it was the Lord’s responsibility to discipline them so that their faith might grow and develop. God’s discipline was evidence that God was their Father. As discipline would lead to righteousness, the people were encouraged to embrace the discipline as a means of strengthening and perfecting their commitment to the Lord.

Jesus was asked a question about how many would be saved. Jesus emphasized that discipline — as illustrated by the narrow door — was necessary for salvation. To enter through the narrow door, a person needed to be well-acquainted with God and to follow God’s way. God’s kingdom would reverse the social order with the last being first and the first being last. Yet Jesus also asserted that God’s kingdom would be diverse as people would come from every direction to join the prophets in the kingdom.

Lord, I want to deepen my relationship with You.