Daily Catholic Lectio. Sun, 24 August ‘25. All Are Invited!

Daily Catholic Lectio

Sun, 24 August ‘25

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

All Are Invited!

1. Salvation is Not Automatic but God’s Gift

Scripture: Isaiah announces that God will gather “all nations and tongues” to see His glory (Is 66:18). He even declares that some of these outsiders will become priests and Levites, overturning Israel’s sense of exclusivity.

Church’s Teaching: Vatican II (Lumen Gentium 16) confirms that God’s saving will extends to all peoples, not just one nation or group.

Pastoral Application: Being born into a Christian family, or belonging to a certain caste, culture, or parish does not guarantee salvation. Salvation is pure gift, freely offered—but it demands our openness and response.

2. Discipline Prepares Us for True Life

Scripture: Hebrews reminds us that trials are not signs of God’s rejection but of His fatherly love: “Endure trials for the sake of discipline; God is treating you as children” (Heb 12:7). Like athletes, Christians must accept training, even when painful, to grow strong.

Church’s Teaching: The Catechism (CCC 1435) teaches that daily conversion happens through patience, endurance, and carrying the cross.

Pastoral Application: Our weariness, disappointments, or personal failures are not punishments but moments of training. Instead of seeing suffering as meaningless, we can accept it as God’s way of shaping us into faithful children.

3. Strive to Enter Through the Narrow Gate

Scripture: Jesus warns, “Strive to enter through the narrow door” (Lk 13:24). Ethnic identity or mere external connection with Him (“We ate and drank with you”) will not suffice. What counts is faith that listens and obeys.

Church’s Teaching: Pope Francis insists that Christianity is not a “cultural label” but a lived discipleship. The narrow gate is Christ Himself, calling us to surrender pride, selfishness, and false securities.

Pastoral Application: The narrow gate may be honesty in a corrupt setting, fidelity in trials, or choosing prayer when comfort beckons. The wide gate is always easier, but it leads to emptiness. Only those who struggle faithfully enter life.

Conclusion

Today’s Word proclaims: All are welcome, but none automatically. Isaiah breaks boundaries, Hebrews explains discipline, and Jesus calls us through the narrow gate. To be saved is not to rest on identity or privilege, but to walk daily in faith, humility, and perseverance. When we release pride and embrace God’s will, the feast of salvation is opened to all.

In sum, today’s Word teaches that salvation is not automatic or limited to one group—all are welcome. Isaiah shows that God will gather every nation into His glory. Hebrews reminds us that trials are not punishments but God’s loving discipline. Jesus calls us to enter through the narrow gate, not relying on identity or privilege, but on faith and obedience. True salvation comes through humility, perseverance, and daily striving in God’s grace.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy