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First Reading: Isaiah 66:18-21
This last chapter of the Book of Isaiah contains an eschatological vision. Jerusalem would be the gathering place for all the nations, who would worship the Lord. The six areas represent the lands around the Mediterranean. “My holy mountain” was the Temple Mount, where sacrifices were offered to God. God was the Lord of all the nations, not just Israel. His power was demonstrated by the return from Exile in Babylon and the rebuilding of the Temple.
That was not something, which the people of Israel could accomplish on their own.
It remained proof for the Diaspora Jews that God’s presence and power was working for them everywhere.
Not only would the people return to their promised land, but they would be brought back “on horses and in chariots, in carts, upon mules and dromedaries.” This was the “sign” of God’s presence.
Second Reading: Hebrews 12:5-7,11-13
The writer encourages a community, who is experiencing persecution and hostility.
Their discouragement is expressed by the image of “your drooping hands and your weak knees.” The author quotes Proverbs 3:11-12. Discipline is not punishment. It is training for the challenge, which will face the individual. It includes instruction and testing.
The painful suffering is overcome by knowing that the ultimate goal is set by God, who “treats you as sons.” God has a close relationship with His people.
Healing is used as a metaphor for restoring one’s faith. “Straight paths” are for the sober-minded and those who are committed to the direction they are headed.
Gospel: Luke 13:22-30
Jerusalem is mentioned here as the goal of the journey, which Jesus started in Luke 9:51. Jesus teaches those who follow Him in this journey. One of those, who was listening to the teaching of Jesus, asked a question that is still asked today: “Lord, will only a few people be saved?”
Jesus does not directly answer the question. He shifts the focus to the effort, which has to be made by those, who seek to enter the Kingdom. It is a call to conversion. They are to enter through “the narrow gate,” before the “master of the house has arisen and locked the door.”
Those, who expected to enter the Kingdom of God, may not be admitted. More than just a superficial acquaintance with the Lord is necessary. Jesus expanded the invitation to “people. . .from the east and the west and from the north and the south.” They have to make the journey and trust in the promise. The four points of the compass means universal (see Psalm 107:3).
These newcomers are brought them into the company of the patriarchs of the Jews, as well as “all the prophets.” They become the new People of God and share the heritage, which has been passed on to them. The promise of the covenant was given to the patriarchs.
The prophets warned the people that they could lose what they received, if they were not faithful and put the commands of God into practice. Most exegetes understand this prophecy of Jesus to foretell the mission of the Church to the Gentiles. There is an unexpected twist in answering the question.
Jesus opens new possibilities for those who seek to join Him. He also warns against complacency. There is no entitlement to the Kingdom of Heaven and communion with the saints. Although it is a gift, we still must prepare to receive what is offered. That takes effort!
When I was a seminarian, I took census in several parishes. We were updating the records of membership. I remember going to one home, where a woman lived whose family were some of the original homesteaders in the community. She was rather curt and refused information, saying that her family had already done their share in supporting the parish.
I think she thought that I was there for a special collection.
I have been assigned to several different parishes over the years. There are people who sit back and feel that they have “done enough.”
But the most vibrant parishes have those founding families who are still working and encouraging the newcomers to help with the projects and tasks of keeping a parish alive.
We depend upon those who have brought us up to the present. But even more, we need them to instill in us the same enthusiasm and spirit which helped the community overcome many difficult times.
There are still more difficult times to come.
They are not obstacles, but the means to build together a living community that recognizes the power of God in our midst!
Fr. Richard C. Macey is pastor of Our Lady of the Woods Parish, Woodhaven.
