Friends, today we are celebrating the twenty-first Sunday in ordinary time, year C. Our Mother church reminds us of the reunion of all God’s people at the feast of His kingdom. It is not only Jews and Christians that the Lord will gather unto himself. He will also gather people from all nations, all those willing to submit to his loving care. The readings of this Sunday, especially the first and the gospel, are closely related. Both bear a powerful message of hope. That is the reunion and restoration of the people of God. Lord, help us to follow You with open hearts and minds. Guide us to be welcoming to all and teach us through Your loving discipline. Give us the strength to embrace our cross and stay faithful on our journey with You.
Friends, the first reading is a prophecy about the return of God’s People to Jerusalem. It is an assurance that God will fulfill his promises to us. In Isaiah, we see God’s promise to gather people from distant lands. This shows that God desires a diverse and inclusive family. He does not limit His love to one group; He invites everyone to know Him. This message is important because it reminds us that God’s love is universal. We are all invited to be part of His family, regardless of our background, culture, or nationality. This inclusive call challenges us to be open and welcoming to others. We are called to share God’s love with everyone, not just those who are like us. They remind us that God’s kingdom is for all people. We should work to break down barriers and build bridges. By doing so, we reflect God’s love and His desire for unity. This call to inclusion also challenges us personally. We need to examine our attitudes and behaviors. Are we welcoming to all people, or do we hold prejudices? The readings invite us to embrace others with the same love that God shows us.
Friends, the second reading from Hebrews reminds us that obedience and discipline will help us respond and effectively return to the Lord. Discipline is not always easy. It can be uncomfortable and challenging. However, just like a parent wants the best for their child, God wants the best for us. He uses discipline to guide us and help us grow in righteousness and peace. This process helps us develop good habits and virtues. The readings remind us that God’s discipline is part of His love. He corrects us not to punish, but to help us grow. It is an expression of His desire for us to be holy and to live in peace. This perspective can help us accept challenges and difficulties in our lives. We can trust that God is guiding us through them. While the Gospel of today reminds us that following Jesus is not just about the benefits. It also involves sacrifice and commitment. There will be tough times and challenges that test our faith. We might face rejection, misunderstandings, or even persecution. But if we truly love Jesus, we will stay committed to Him. Being a disciple means making sacrifices. It might mean giving up our comfort, changing our plans, or putting others first. Jesus asks us to follow Him, even when it leads to a cross. This requires effort and sometimes pain, but it also brings true joy and peace. Today, let’s ask for the strength to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Let us be ready to take up our cross and follow Him, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. The journey might be tough, but it leads to eternal life with Him. We are called to embrace God’s inclusive love, accept His loving discipline, and commit ourselves fully to following Jesus. The Lord be with you …may the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I wish you a blessed Sunday and a fruitful new week ahead of you.
