This Sunday is the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time. This week’s readings focus on discipline and striving to live the Word of God. Jesus tells us to “strive to enter through the narrow gate.” Let’s take a look.
Gospel Text
“Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from. And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’ Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”
The Theme of Discipline
Isaiah 66:18—21 — Discipline doesn’t just correct; it transforms and elevates. Discipline is not simply punishment; it is purposeful refining. It will lead to restoration, mission, and ultimately glory. God sees our actions and intentions. There is accountability because we are known fully. In this reading, Isaiah says that the call for discipline is universal – not just for Israel. The people who endure the “refining” are sent to proclaim God’s glory to distant lands. This reading highlights that discipline is a “gateway to glory.”
Hebrews 12:5-7,11-13 – This is also a powerful passage about discipline, not as punishment, but as purposeful training. God disciplines those He loves as a father trains his children. Paul calls us to endure trials as discipline, that will yield “the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” The passage ends with a call to respond actively to discipline.
Gospel Message
Luke 13:22-30 – Jesus calls us to “strive to enter through the narrow gate.” This is a call to urgency, humility, and a true relationship with God. The “narrow gate” represents a complete surrender to God’s will. Disciplined believers who follow Jesus faithfully enter through the narrow gate.
There is a difference between “knowing about Jesus” and “knowing Jesus.” Once “the master locks the door,” those outside ask the Lord to “open the door for us.” Jesus answers them, “I do not know where you are from.” Though those outside knew about Him, they never truly knew Him.
“For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” This line speaks to those considered outsiders as being the first to enter the Kingdom of God. People who are repentant, humble, and faithful disciples enter first, while those like the “Pharisees”, people who preach but do not practice their faith, enter last.
Please share your thoughts on this article in the “Comments” section.
Peace
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