Readings:
Isaiah 66:18-21; Heb. 12:5-7, 11-13; Lk 13:22-30
Spare
the Rod, Spoil the Child!
We take pride in being a
diverse community in Odenton. Indeed, Fort Meade, NSA, and various other
factors have brought us together from different ethnic backgrounds and
countries, and we often speak different languages. However, the one thing that
unites us more than anything else is our love for God and His people. Like the
disciples of old, the Eucharist, our sense of community, and our love for one
another serve as our unifying forces. Our relationships outside of the
worshiping community stem from the fact that we have worshiped God together.
Because God is our Father, we share a relationship with His children—our
brothers and sisters.
Isaiah the prophet
emphasized this point in the first reading: “I am coming to gather the
nations of every language. They shall come to witness my glory. I will give
them a sign and send some of their survivors to the nations.” (Is.
66:18) The prophet wrote to encourage Israel’s exiles in Babylon, who had been
separated from their homeland for two generations. Many had given up hope of
ever returning to Judea and their beloved temple in Jerusalem. Isaiah reassured
them that God would revisit them to restore their fortunes, allowing them to
worship Him again in Jerusalem. He reminded them that at the time of their
visitation, people from foreign nations would join them in worship. Even
foreigners would be accepted as priests. This idea was challenging for the
Israelites, who believed that salvation was their birthright. Jesus addressed
the question of salvation in today’s Gospel reading.
The Children of Israel
were meant to view their time in a foreign land as a period of testing and
discipline. God tested them because He loved them. The Scripture states, “Endure
your trials as ‘discipline’; God treats you as sons. For what ‘son’ is there
whom his father does not discipline?” (Heb. 12:7). Although we dislike
suffering, it is an inevitable part of life. There is no crown without a
cross. Many of us go to great lengths to avoid pain, suffering, and
discipline. Some have turned to drugs, alcohol, sex, and violent behaviors to
numb their pain. However, problems do not simply disappear; they must be
confronted and worked through. Whatever you use to escape pain and suffering
will eventually wear off, and your pain will only intensify thereafter. True
solutions require discipline.
Today, Christ invites us
to make a choice. In response to the question, “Lord, will only a few
people be saved?” Jesus said, “Strive to enter through the narrow
gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong
enough.” Christ calls us to embark on a journey down the road less
traveled. If we are not committed to our Christian calling, we risk being cast
out of the kingdom. How sad would it be to see those we consider our enemies in
heaven while we find ourselves in hell? We cannot rely solely on our knowledge
of the law, being faithful in prayer, praying the rosary, attending Mass, or
being consistent recipients of the Eucharist. These do not guarantee Christ
will open the door for us. Instead, we might hear the words, “I do not
know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!” (Lk.
12:27). Isaiah would then point out, “These people claim to worship me,
but their words are meaningless; their hearts are elsewhere. Their religion is
merely human rules and traditions that they have memorized.” (Is.
29:13).
Does God know your
work and your thoughts? Do you have a personal relationship
with Jesus that influences how you interact with others? When asked, “Teacher,
which commandment in the law is the greatest?” Christ replied, “You
shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with
all your mind. This is the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall
love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these
two commandments.” (Matt. 22:36-40). Those who God knows, who do His
will, and who allow Him to discipline them will be granted a place in His
kingdom—not those who merely call on God daily without following His commands.
And his command is easy: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
(Jn. 13:34)
Today, we face a choice:
to take the road less traveled that leads to joy, peace, and eternal bliss, or
to choose a path that promises instant gratification but results in long-term
suffering. Will you choose a life with God or a life without Him? Will you
choose forgiveness and peaceful coexistence with others, or will you embrace a
life of hatred and sorrow? The choice is yours, but every choice comes with
consequences. Let us choose the narrow path, the road less traveled, so that we
may enter a life of happiness and peace with God. May we never hear the words: “I
do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers.” God
bless you! Amen.
Fr.
Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP
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