Gospel for August 21 2022 – Luke 13:22-30
Gospel Reflections for August 21 2022
Gold Medals for everyone?
Our parish school year will begin soon…
Throughout the year we gladly present awards for excellence to our outstanding students. However, can you imagine how a student might feel after studying hard for months and achieving well-earned academic excellence, or winning in sports, only to find out that awards were given to everyone in the class, no matter what their grades or sports performance?
Fortunately, that does not happen here at St. Bruno!
We certainly value every student and help them achieve excellence, but students also know who actually deserves awards for good work from those who do not. No student ever feels honored by undeserved awards. In fact, they can even feel insulted when given this devalued recognition. Awards for everyone are really a disservice to everyone.
Eternal life is the ultimate “Gold Medal” and in today’s Gospel a crowd asks Jesus about it. He knows that some believe everyone will make it into heaven while others think very few will. He answers neither group, but changes their focus.
Instead of asking about the fate of others, Jesus asks them to focus on what they are doing with their own life, and tells them to “Strive to enter the narrow gate.” He affirms that rewards only come to those people who, like great students and athletes, use their teacher’s advice …and then their own talents to face and overcome significant challenges.
John Wooden, the famous UCLA basketball coach with an amazing winning record, never focused on winning at all, but only on each player performing at their very best. That is the real reward. Winning in the Kingdom of God is the same for everyone…simply accepting Our Lord’s love and then living your faith the very best you can.
Mother Teresa once said that God does not ask you to be successful …only faithful.
God’s powerful love for you is freely given. God will do His part but you must also do yours! Your only task is to use the power of His love to try your very best at something worthwhile because He knows that your best efforts will make you feel deeply fulfilled and happy …whether successful or not in the eyes of the world.
God’s powerful grace is freely available for the asking. Begin the next part of your life right here and now and ask for His grace to “enter the narrow gate” …and go for the Gold!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
I like your emphasis on doing our part to enter eternal life, Fr. Dave!
He knows our hearts and where we stand with Him!
When we strive to have Jesus as the center of our lives and walk
with Him, we are on our way to everlasting life.
Yes, well said!
Dick and I are asking for our precious God’s precious grace and going for the Gold!!!!Love your loving words and Philomena Gatto’s words!!! When our loving Jesus is the center of our lives, we are on our way to everlasting life!!! Loveeeee it!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Yes, go for the gold!
Hi Father
I really enjoyed your reflections on this week’s Gospel. Sometimes it all seems so complicated and overwhelming, but when you break it down it all becomes so simple. Keep up the good work Father and know you are really making a difference and much appreciated. Thanks and God bless you!!
I am honored that you find my articles so helpful. I enjoy writing them too!
I liked your observation that Jesus changed their focus. That is what I am going to meditate on …. That Jesus changes our focus.
Blessings, Joyce
A great topic for meditation for sure.
Great article and I’m delighted that St. Bruno is NOT into all that PC awards theory! Hopefully, there ARE kids who in their most inner soul DO think that getting unearned awards isn’t really satisfying!! I wish ALL couches were like Wooden so our athletes would have their heads on straight and are more philosophical when they encounter loosing. I’m sending your article to someone who is the new coach of his two sons in soccer (one of whom falls apart when he looses at anything!) Sadly, the “narrow gate” concept has become a lost concept to many in our current time! PTL for you and others who keep calling out in the wilderness the truths of the Lord!! Laus Deo, Patty
Thank you for your kind words, but especially for sending on the article to a new coach. I hope it helps!