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By: Gérard Mbaye, SJ
The biblical texts of this 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time of the liturgical year C invite us to meditate on God’s great plan for all people and to remain awake and active in faith. God’s great plan is to gather all human beings into his Kingdom and offer them eternal salvation.
This is the good news we find in the first reading, taken from the book of the prophet Isaiah in chapter 66, verses 18 to 21. “I am coming to gather all nations from every language. They will come and see my glory…” These words of comfort are addressed to the people of Israel who were living a long period of exile; 50 years in a foreign land among the pagans.
Through these words, we are invited to discover that the true God is not the God of a few; he is the God for all, the one who offers his love to all.
In the second reading, taken from the letter to the Hebrews in chapter 12, verses 5 to 7 and 11 to 13, the author reassures us that what is primary, even in trials, is precisely this loving project of God who wants to save all human beings. So we must not doubt, even in trials. We must not lose sight of the fact that God is Love. What is my attitude in the face of trials and/or misfortunes that befall me?
In Luke’s gospel in chapter 13, verses 22 to 30, Jesus presents us with the conditions that will allow us to enter this great gathering and receive salvation, for the door is narrow: we need true conversion of heart, humility, mercy, justice and sharing. In the end, salvation is offered to all, but our entry into the kingdom depends on how we live here below.
“Strive to enter by the narrow gate. What is it that clogs me up and delays my walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, that may prevent me from entering the Kingdom of God and welcoming eternal salvation?
Let us pray to God our Father to help us free ourselves from the privileges, honors, proud pretensions and worldly riches that clutter our lives. Then we will be able to walk freely towards him with the crucified and risen Jesus, as well as with the multitude of those whom God calls and wants to gather into his Kingdom.
