TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

(Isaiah 66:18-21; Ps 117(116); Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13; Luke 13:22-30)

Theme: Seeking Entry through the Door Narrowed by Uncertainties

My brothers and sisters, uncertainties, challenges, and stress from basic needs, along with the chaos caused by pursuits of power and peace, as well as our foolishness, mistakes, failures, and disappointments, are evidence of a world in need of holistic transformation.

For some, these issues are triggers of mental health problems; hence, we must combat them with all human survival mechanisms. However, in today’s second reading, St. Paul reminds those with profound and transformative faith that life’s challenges are forms of discipline and training for those desiring to act justly, to love mercy, and walk humbly before the Lord. Consequently, we must recognise their divine purpose in strengthening our psyche, transforming societies, healing families, and attaining happiness.

Therefore, we must humbly pray for restorative and renewed grace to withstand life’s difficulties, some of which can be long-lasting, intended to cause failure, shame us, and prevent us from attaining eternal life. In other words, human strength alone is insufficient to cope with the uncertainties of this world or to gain a day-to-day understanding and hope of eternal certainty.

In today's Gospel, our Lord Jesus Christ compares seeking ultimate understanding and hope to trying to pass through a narrow door. While human intellect can analyse, calculate, and control variables of uncertainties, true understanding of their final purpose comes only through entering that sacred space and using the graces within to welcome our fears and stand firm in hope.

To those feeling isolated, tossed around by fear and struggling to understand the purpose of their challenges, keep fighting; your efforts will bear fruit. For those nearing the peaceful reward of righteousness, stay faithful, resist pride, and generously share your blessings.

There comes a time when we can no longer ignore uncertainties and our weaknesses. Now is not the moment to be passive; it is the time to confront these issues through the guidance of the Spirit.

Let us draw nearer to Him in prayer and follow His revealed principles from studying His words. Since entering His sacred space is challenging, we must let go of encumbrances of naysayers, humbly submit to the Lord, and work to overcome setbacks while striving to pass the narrow way and waiting within that sacred space for eternal emancipation.