“The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness;” –   RM 8: 26

 

How do we plan to enter the Kingdom of God?  How often during the week or even during the day do we ponder this?  Are we often too busy doing the things we believe that are so important to us that we actually do not even give it a thought?  Is that because we feel that since we are Baptized, participate in the other Sacraments, and live a fairly decent life we are in?

 

I wondered what was going through the individual’s mind in today’s Gospel from St Luke that caused them to ask, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” (LK 13: 23) I also wondered what they thought when they heard the answer.  So, I went back to the verses before this Gospel to get an idea what led to this and found the imagery of the Kingdom of Heaven being like a mustard seed, or like leaven mixed with flour.  By themselves I could not put my finger on how those two parables would lead to such a question.  So, I went back and read the beginning of Chapter 13 of St Luke’s Gospel to where we are today and found that Jesus taught the people the importance of repenting and being fruitful in order to grow God’s Kingdom.  Then it became a little clearer, it is the smallest, forgotten, and least likely that can make the ordinary, extraordinary.  However, in today’s society and with the pressures to fit in and not be in the PC crosshairs, it can just seem undaunting, overwhelming and overbearing for us to participate in the Kingdom of God on earth, let alone help grow It.

 

Today, Jesus tells us to strive to enter the narrow gate.  In other words, we are going to be challenged and have to make great efforts in order to achieve entry into the Kingdom of God.  Choosing the small gate means walking on the narrow road.  Both are required for the life of discipleship with Jesus.  Like Jesus, we are called to live a life of self-denial and obedience in order to live as God wants. It takes effort to find the right path and daily training to fit through the narrow gate.  Through Baptism and our participation in all of the Sacraments, we are called to learn how to live daily in a way that takes time, understanding, and regular practice to become transformed.  When we choose the broad road with the wide gate, we discover life is easier because it requires no discipline or accountability.  Jesus today warns that living an undisciplined, unwise life leads to clear and negative consequences for one’s actions.  Being a disciple of Jesus means standing up for things that are right even when it is hard, and we know what could happen.  Do we trust in God's Grace and Assistance, especially in times of challenge and persecution?

 

Today’s Gospel Acclamation tells us, “God has called us through the Gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thes 2:14) St Paul explains in today’s First Reading the importance of prayer and how “The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought,” (Rm 8:26) Jesus, Himself, has shown us by His own example that prayer and fasting are the first and most effective weapons against the forces of evil.  We have an opportunity to be with Jesus in prayer, with the Holy Spirit, this Friday.  Adoration is available from 9:00 in the morning until 9:00 in the evening.  This is a training opportunity to prepare us to enter the narrow gate.  Let us take advantage of this opportunity in order to avoid hearing Jesus tell us that He knows we went through the motions in this life but unfortunately, He doesn’t know who we are.

 

"Lord Jesus, may I never doubt your guiding presence and your merciful love towards me. Through the gift of your Spirit fill me with courage and persevering faith to trust you in all things and in every circumstance I find myself. Give me the strength to cling to your promises when the world around me begins to shake or crumble. And when my love and zeal begin to waver, fan into my heart a flame of consuming love and dedication for you who are my All."

 

May God’s Grace and Blessings Always be with you and yours!!  Our Lady of Guadalupe – Pray for us!!  

 

Yours in Christ,

Deacon Bob

St Clare of Assisi Catholic Church

Houston, TX