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
Summary
Define Strive – make great efforts to achieve or obtain something.
He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough (LK 13:24).
In all the communities which the LORD, your God, is giving you, you shall appoint judges and officials throughout your tribes to administer true justice for the people. You must not distort justice: you shall not show partiality;l you shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes even of the wise and twists the words even of the just. Justice, justice alone shall you pursue, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD, your God, is giving you (Deut 16:18-20).
The city gate is often where the matters of justice are discussed, revealed and decided. The gate: in the city walls. This open space served as the forum for the administration of justice. Cf. 22:15; 25:7; Ru 4:1, 2, 11; Is 29:21; Am 5:10, 12, 15 (NABRE Commentary, https://bible.usccb.org/bible/deuteronomy/21?19=#05021019).
Reflection
Jesus wants us to strive (make great effort) to achieve justice between peoples.
Our first reading states with justice between family members and it expands to people we work with and are responsible for/to.
- Children – honor and obey your parents.
- Fathers – do not provoke your children.
- Slaves – know your true Master and Consolation.
- Masters – know your true Master and Judge.
Jesus says strive for justice (right relation) with everyone. Make it your life’s work. Your life’s goal.
Personal Reflection
My neighbor has decided to get petty about nearly everything. I was weeding and left some pulled weeds on the water cutoff. Crisis. Why? Because he didn’t get the roof he wanted approved at the Architectural Board meeting. He is seeking his justice. Or Is he seeking his revenge? Many, I tell you, will attempt to enter (by force) but will not be strong enough. We must recognize that revenge and pettiness will never achieve peace nor is it the gate to heaven.
I ignore the parallel things he does with his trash, etc, consistently for a decade or more.
I’m pretty sure neither of these things are the justice Jesus is referring to in his dialog. After all, he is more worried about our entry into heaven not some petty nonsense.
And that is the point, always ask first before responding:
Is this worth losing heaven? Rather let me strive (resist, in this case) the nonsense.
Sacred Readings
Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/103024.cfm
First Reading
Stop bullying, knowing that both they and you have a Master in heaven and that with him there is no partiality.
Responsorial
The Lord is faithful in all his words.
Gospel Acclamation (See 2 Thes 2:14)
God has called us through the Gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry