Homily - Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time:

📖 Readings

  • First Reading: Isaiah 66:18-21 – God gathers people from every nation to see His glory.

  • Psalm: Psalm 117 – “Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.”

  • Second Reading: Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13 – The Lord disciplines those He loves; discipline brings growth.

  • Gospel: Luke 13:22-30 – “Strive to enter through the narrow door… some are last who will be first.”



Introduction 

A man once asked his priest: “Father, will there be golf in heaven?”
The priest replied: “Don’t worry—if you get in, you’ll be too happy to ask for golf!”
That’s the catch: heaven is wonderful, but not everyone enters automatically. Today’s readings invite us to reflect on who enters God’s Kingdom, and how.

The Word of God

  1. Isaiah 66

    • God promises to gather all nations and tongues.

    • Salvation is not limited to one group; His plan is universal.

  2. Psalm 117

    • The shortest psalm in the Bible, yet one of the most powerful: “Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.”

    • Missionary spirit is at the heart of salvation.

  3. Hebrews 12

    • Discipline is not punishment but training.

    • God forms us, sometimes painfully, so that we can walk the straight path.

  4. Luke 13

    • The “narrow door” is Christ Himself—entering requires humility, faith, and commitment.

    • It is not enough to say: “We ate and drank with you.” Discipleship is about transformation, not casual familiarity.

    • Shocking reversal: “Some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last.”

Connection of the Readings

  • Isaiah opens the door to all nations.

  • Hebrews reminds us the path is demanding.

  • Luke challenges us: not everyone will enter—the narrow way requires effort, love, and faith.

  • Together: God’s Kingdom is open, but it is not cheap.

Reflection Questions

  1. Am I striving daily to enter through the “narrow door” of Christ?

  2. Do I live my faith only in words, or in transformed actions?

  3. How open am I to God’s universal call—welcoming others into the faith journey?

Implications for Jubilee Year & Synodality

  • Jubilee Year: Like Isaiah’s prophecy, the Jubilee is a time of gathering, reconciliation, and inclusion. All are invited to experience mercy.

  • Synodality: Walking together means encouraging one another along the narrow way, supporting especially those who feel excluded.

Inspiration / Motivation

The narrow door is not meant to frighten us, but to invite us to deeper love. The cost is high, but the reward is eternal joy.

Quote for the Day

“Strive to enter through the narrow door.” (Luke 13:24)

Final Thoughts

Heaven is not about privilege or status; it is about choosing Christ daily, even when the way is narrow. The Kingdom is open to all, but only those who live faithfully will enter.

Concluding Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You are the narrow door that leads to eternal life.
Give me courage to walk faithfully in love,
to embrace discipline as training for holiness,
and to welcome all my brothers and sisters into Your Kingdom.
May I never grow complacent,
but strive daily to remain in Your grace,
until I rejoice with all nations at Your heavenly banquet.
Amen.

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