Daily Readings - Sun Aug 25 2019
Isaiah
18"And I, because of their actions and their imaginations, am about to come and gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see my glory.19"I will set a sign among them, and I will send some of those who survive to the nations-to Tarshish, to the Libyans and Lydians (famous as archers), to Tubal and Greece, and to the distant islands that have not heard of my fame or seen my glory. They will proclaim my glory among the nations.20And they will bring all your brothers, from all the nations, to my holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering to the LORD -on horses, in chariots and wagons, and on mules and camels," says the LORD. "They will bring them, as the Israelites bring their grain offerings, to the temple of the LORD in ceremonially clean vessels.21And I will select some of them also to be priests and Levites," says the LORD.
Hebrews
5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,6because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.13"Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
Luke
22Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem.23Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?"24He said to them, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.25Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.'"But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.'26"Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.'27"But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!'28"There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out.29People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.30Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last."
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of God's universal invitation and the commitment required to follow His path. Isaiah envisions a future where all nations are gathered together, emphasizing God's inclusive plan for salvation. This vision is not just a distant hope but a call to action, urging us to embrace the diversity of God's people and recognize the universal scope of His mercy.
Hebrews complements this by discussing the role of discipline in our spiritual journey. It highlights that trials and challenges, though difficult, are part of God's loving plan to refine us. This discipline helps us grow in holiness and perseverance, essential for staying on the narrow path Jesus speaks about in Luke.
In Luke's Gospel, Jesus emphasizes the urgency of entering through the narrow gate, warning that not all who think they are included will be. This serves as a call to sincerity and commitment in our faith, reminding us that true discipleship requires dedication and a willingness to live according to God's will.
As we reflect on these readings, we are challenged to live our faith with sincerity and perseverance. We must remain open to the universal call of God's love while enduring trials with patience, knowing they strengthen our character. Let us strive to walk the narrow path with commitment, ensuring our actions reflect our faith. The moral lesson here is clear: God's invitation is universal, but it demands our dedicated response, lived out in love and perseverance.