August 21, 2022

Twenty First Sunday of Ordinary Time

• Isaiah 66:18-21
• Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13
• Luke 13:22-30

Reflection Written By: Janet McDermott

I come to gather nations of every language. (Is 66:18)

Make straight paths for your feet. (Heb 12:13)

Sometimes we like to think of ourselves as the “lucky ones”, perhaps carefully avoiding the word “privileged”.  We may have various reasons (or starting points) for that: where we live, who our friends are, our job or vocation, even the nature of our religious beliefs.  But all-in-all, it can come down to the we/they comparisons that so tempt us to find reasons for our personal fortune or excellence compared to that of others.

As I read the scriptures chosen for this Sunday’s Liturgy, I find surprising statements, statements that remind me that God may have other plans, plans that can change us.  We are reminded that God is interested in the welfare of those who might not at the surface conform to our inherent tendencies of comparison and judgement.  We are being reminded that the “eye of the needle” is ours when we are open and aware of God’s standard, how God moves within our creation: discipline, pain, suffering (according to Paul).  That’s how God deepens the garden of our souls so we can enjoy what Paul’s letter describes as the “peaceful fruit of righteousness”.

This Sunday’s gospel is attributed to Luke. Ever notice that, in a large portion of Luke’s gospel, it is always told in the context that Jesus was “making his way to Jerusalem”.  I learned that this phrase found in Luke arises from Luke’s understanding of the work of Jesus: Jesus taught and healed along the way, always on the way to completing the core work of Salvation – Condemnation by authorities, Passion and Cross, Death, and, ultimately, the joy of the Resurrection.  The salvation to be offered, yet uncompleted, was coming to fruition even as he walked among the people.  That salvation was accomplished through suffering, acceptance, and commitment.  Only then was there glory.

Oh, that our growth could happen some other way! 

Sometimes, when we look around at the persons who don’t appear to be blessed, we might be wise to bring to mind Jesus’ chosen path through pain before his glory.  Today we are called to understand that God’s work is being accomplished in many and various ways that include the people we tend to dismiss.  Isaiah writes that God will “come to gather nations of every language (folks different from ourselves)… will send fugitives to the nations (think of us in our comfort and safety as being the ”nations”)…who shall bring all your brothers and sisters from all the nations as an offering to the Lord.”  God’s work is inclusive and surprising.  God is not deterred by the national boundaries or the turmoil all around us.  

Today we might take time to consider this work of God in our world. Can our sense of good fortune hide from us God’s real actions?  Let us look around.  Participation in God’s work may be happening in the sick and those accompanying them, struggling for a cure – or in the dying.  Can the joy of closeness to God be deepening within families who are suffering from draught and lack of food and water?  Perhaps God comes to us in the lame, in the mentally or psychologically challenged. How does God use the goodwill of political leaders?  Consider how God is being revealed to us in our relationships, in our family, our friends, our neighborhoods. Can we join with these “others”, walking with them “to Jerusalem”?  Perhaps this kind of path will bring light to our eyes and healing to our souls, can “make straight the path” for our spiritual journey through the “eye of a needle” as we step out of our perceived “luck” and into the real world of God’s love and action.  That was Jesus’ way.  Let it be so for us also.

Thoughts For Consideration:

• We have been gifted in many ways.  Consider then how God is calling us to walk with, to be gift, for others.
• There are many conflicts in our world today.  Can I consider God’s presence in the courage, the commitments, of others?
• Scripture teaches that God works with us most especially in those times when we are distressed or in pain.  It’s the path of Jesus.  Our society has taught us to avoid pain.  Can we reconsider our relationship with distress, trusting that God is active with us, leading us through our difficulties?  
• Perhaps this Sunday, you can consider accompanying St. Pat’s parishioners, and walk with them as they journey to St. Joe’s this Sunday. Literally walk with them, as they make their way to their new parish.