Sunday, August 25, 2013, 21st Sunday Ordinary Time
Isaiah 66:18-21, Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13, Psalm 117:1-2, Luke 13:22-30
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/082513.cfm
ARE YOU SAVED?
"Someone asked Him, 'Lord, are they few in number who are to be saved?' He replied: 'Try to come in through the narrow door. Many, I tell you, will try to enter and be unable.' " -Luke 13:23-24
Jesus seems to have indicated that many people would not be saved. He said: "Enter through the narrow gate. The gate that leads to damnation is wide, the road is clear, and many choose to travel it. But how narrow is the gate that leads to life, how rough the road, and how few there are who find it!" (Mt 7:13-14) Even some of those who "ate and drank" in Jesus' company will be lost (Lk 13:26-27). This may include those who have received Jesus in Holy Communion. Moreover, some of those whom Jesus taught will be lost (Lk 13:26-27). This may refer to those who know the Bible and/or have a good Catholic, Christian education.
These statements by Jesus are sobering and can be disturbing. We may feel as if we're "long-shots" to see Jesus face to face in the eternal happiness of heaven. However, the Lord wants us to expect to live with Him forever in heaven. Jesus died on the cross that all might be saved (see 1 Tm 2:4). If we let Jesus have His way, we will certainly go to heaven. To do this, we must accept Jesus as Lord of our lives, repent of doing our will, and decide to do His will. Furthermore, we must not only think of our own salvation, but also love people enough to invite them to give their lives to Jesus as Lord, enter the narrow gate, and walk the rough road which leads to eternal life.
Prayer: Father, may Your Son's death not be in vain (see 1 Cor 1:17) for me, my family, neighbors, friends, fellow parishioners, and co-workers.
Promise: "Make straight the paths you walk on, that your halting limbs may not be dislocated but healed." -Heb 12:13
Praise: Praise Jesus, Who opened the gates and set us free!
(For a related teaching, order our tape "The Saved" on audio AV 82-1 or video V-82.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from August 1, 2013 through September 30, 2013
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 4, 2013
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
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