August 25, 2019 Sunday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time-C

Isaiah 66:18-21

Psalm 117

Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13

Luke 13:22-30

…I come to gather nations of every language; they shall come and see my glory.  Is. 66:18

“For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” Lk. 13:30

Lord, I’ve heard it said that two of the biggest surprises we will have when we get to heaven are first, who else is there with us and second, who is not.  We can sometimes try to do your job and judge who among us will enter your kingdom and who won’t.  There are so many divisions in our world that it’s tempting to see those who are different from us as not worthy.  Do we think of Christians and Catholics as the elite and the rest of mankind in second place?  Lord, I am so grateful to you for the sacraments of our church, for Holy Scripture and for the trustworthy tradition of the Catholic faith.  I also am thankful for the gift of faith which you have planted in my heart.  Help me to the faithfulness that gives me entry to your kingdom through the “narrow gate”.  Do not allow me to look down on anyone because you came to gather all mankind to see your glory.   I pray for all those who do not know you or have turned away from you.   Make our church a welcoming place for all who desire to enter the narrow gate.  Amen.