Readings and meditation on the Word of God on the 21st Sunday in ordinary time, August 24, 2025

Delivered by Maria Delie, Michaela Phie, Keithlyn Kusumah, and Stella Wijaya from the Parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indonesia. Isaiah 66: 18-21; Rs psalm 117: 1.2; Hebrews 12: 5-7.11-13; Luke 13: 22-30.THE NARROW GATE The title for our meditation on this21st Sunday in Ordinary Time is: The Narrow Gate. Today the LordJesus explains about the kingdom of heaven which has a narrow gate. There was ajunior high school student who after listening to his Priest's homily about thenarrow gate to enter heaven, expressed a strong reaction. "I do not agreethat to enter heaven there is only a narrow gate. In fact I want to go in withmy parents, brother and sister, also my friends. How could we all enter?" Perhaps many people have such theteenager’s view about the narrow gate to heaven. But if we follow all of Jesus'teachings about discipleship, the real meaning of the narrow gate is not thephysical image of small and narrow doors. The real meaning is discipline thatmust be the life-style of every follower of Christ. Discipline is taken fromthe word "disciple" that refers to student or pupil. Discipline is the main requirement tobecome a true follower of Christ and eventually obtain salvation. The good newsthat Jesus preaches and the Church continues to this day is very promising andmotivating. People have high expectation especially on the eternal happiness.They are interested, listen diligently and want to be part of the promise. Thewhole world is fascinated by it. They all want to enter. The book of the prophet Isaiah in thefirst reading proclaims the arrival of all people from all nations andlanguages ​​to see the glory of God and find His mercy. Jesus himself alsoemphasizes that people come from all corners of the world to be able to sit andeat together in the kingdom of God. But discipline is what will determinewhether or not someone is worthy of being a part of it, to see and experiencethe glory of God. The inspiration from these threereadings of this Sunday at least gives us three aspects of discipline. First,those who want to enter through the narrow gate are those who must be free fromall forms of evil. Jesus warns that it would be useless to hear the word of Godand celebrate faith, but if they still commit evil and sin, they are not worthyfor the His Kingdom. Second, the mission to make othersdisciples of Jesus is something highly demanded on the part of every followerof Christ. They may not enjoy their faith themselves, but share with others andbecome diligent apostles. Third, the ability to endure in all suffering anddifficulties will make someone recognizes the cross as God's way of educatingand training himself, because behind it is eternal happiness. Let's pray. In the name of theFather ... O Lord Jesus, make us your true disciples, being faithful to the wayof your cross. Our Father who art in heaven ... In the name of the Father ...