Destiny

Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Eph 6:1-9; Ps 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 13cd-14; Lk 13:22-30
Notes: How we conduct ourselves is largely up to us. There are the extreme cases where free will is so impaired that the actions of a person as such are of low degree culpability.

Our destiny in life in general terms is largely under our control.

The first reading today reasserts the basic commandments and their extension to all we encounter.

Honor others.
In the gospel portion Jesus continues his way to Jerusalem. He is in a manner of speaking honoring his father and the promise he made: And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day (Jn 6:29).

First reading
Honor your father and mother.

The 4th Commandment.

This is the first commandment with a promise, that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on earth.

Responsorial Psalm
The Lord is faithful in all his words.

Alleluia Verse
God has called us through the Gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel Portion
Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.

• It is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem: Jerusalem is the city of destiny and the goal of the journey of the prophet Jesus. Only when he reaches the holy city will his work be accomplished (NABRE, Lk 13:33).

The narrowness of the gate is the number of days of our life.
The narrowness of the gate is the choices we make between doing good or doing evil.

Don’t let the gate close before you.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry