 Today?s Gospel reading surely bursts the bubble of those in our world who wrongfully believe that ?all dogs go to heaven? (in other words, ?everyone will be saved?). In this passage, Jesus speaks a parable which clearly demonstrates that some will be left to ?wail and grind their teeth? outside knocking with futile anxiety trying to get in to the banquet of eternal life. And interestingly, some of those left out in the parable are those with an association with the Master ? we ate and drank with you in your company. Good glory . . . I don?t want to end in this sad state! What must I do to be saved? Three things come to my mind.
First, we are called to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. He is the one Who must transform us ? you and me ? from within. This is one important reason why the Eucharist and attending Mass is so vitally important. It is the avenue of grace by which we are changed more clearly into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ. I am constantly reminding people of the importance of Mass and the Eucharist. When I hear myself, I sometimes sound like a broken record ? but there are so many for whom the Mass is either minimally important or not important at all. This is a serious misgiving and mortally detrimental to our spiritual life.
Second, it is necessary that we confess our sins. We are all sinners every last one. We cannot escape our sins by simply ignoring them or thinking to ourselves that we are not that bad after all. Confession is critically important to our spiritual health. I must identify my sins, realize true sorrow for them as they offend Our Lord, confess them, and correct them. I don?t ever want to become comfortable with my sin. You can fill a stadium of people (you can fill 10 stadiums) who are ?comfortable? with fornication, adultery, cohabitation, lust, pornography, cheating, stealing, hurting others, lying, gossiping, drunkenness, self-centeredness, and on and on. I don?t want a seat there ? even if it is free. I must admit my sin, confess it and correct it, by God?s good grace!
Third, we must continue to grow in our desire to serve Him. Moving away from the sin of this world, and out of love for Him Who forgives sin and gives grace in abundance, we are drawn to Him and we desire in the core of our being to please Him by our thoughts, words and actions. We do this not because we are afraid of Him, not because we fear retribution, but because we love Him so much. We realize that He speaks of judgment not as a threat but so that we might be prepared for it! Lord, move my heart to desire you and to desire to do what You want of me. With my one life I want to please You!
Remember that the judgment of the righteous is not condemnation but rather ?well done, good and faithful servant; enter the home of my Father.? Together as a community, we pledge to know, to love and to serve Him Who is the just and merciful judge of the world so that we might be found ready and worthy of eternal life inside the banquet hall!
Most Sacred Heart Of Jesus, Have Mercy On Us! |
