kellym40 faith

Today’s Word: 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe) – November 23, 2025

2 Samuel 5:1-3

Psalms 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5

Colossians 1:12-20

Luke 23:35-43

The readings for November 23, 2025, in the Catholic Church celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. This also is the 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time. We are quickly approaching the new liturgical year with Advent just a week away and Christmas soon following. It will soon be a time of reflection and preparing ourselves for the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. The readings this week focus on Christ’s kingship as manifested through his death on the cross. The readings emphasize that Jesus’ kingship is one of service and salvation, not earthly power, and that his rule is established through his sacrifice, his love, and his ultimate victory over death on the cross.

The First Reading from the Second Book of Samuel talks about David’s anointing as King from the tribes of Israel at Hebron. They believe David will shepherd the people because the Lord said, “‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel.’” (2 Samuel 5:2, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). It appears this reading foreshadows Jesus’ kingship, who is the true shepherd and king of his people.

In the New Testament Reading, St. Paul describes Christ as the image of the invisible God and through him all things were created. Paul writes, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the Church; he is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” (Colosssians 1:17-18, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). This powerful passage establishes Christ’s universal authority as the creator and sustainer of all things, both seen and unseen. It emphasizes that all creation is directed towards him, and his reign is ultimate and complete, because in him “we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:14, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition).

The Gospel from Luke today tells a little of the time of when Jesus was hanging on the cross. I will get to more of that in a moment. But first a quick look at the Psalm for today. As most of the Psalms are songs of praise and worship, giving glory to God. This Psalm is one that depicts the people, Israel, to go “to the house of the Lord!” (Psalm 122:1, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition), and offer praise and to “give thanks to the name of the Lord.” (Psalm 122: 4, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). The Psalm seems to connect the Old Testament Reading from Samuel to the New Testament Readings, from David, a strong and wise king who was shepherd to the people of Israel, to Jesus, who is Shepherd and King to all people.

While Jesus was on the cross, he was ridiculed by the rulers and soldiers. However, Jeses receives a repentant confession from one of the criminals, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingly power,” and Jesus responds, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). This moment, I believe, is a poignant and pivotal moment where Christ’s kingship is most clearly revealed in its suffering and salvific nature. He is not a king of worldly power, but a king who saves others from the cross, and he welcomes a repentant sinner into his kingdom at the very moment of his death. I feel the reading asks us to consider our own response to Christ the King: Do we mock him or acknowledge him in our time of need?

We must ask ourselves that question. And the answer should be that we acknowledge Jesus as Christ the King, the Savior. He is our Redeemer. Just as the Psalm shows his people offering him praise, so shall we do likewise.

So, as I will leave you with this scripture, “O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.” (Psalm 63:1, 4, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition).

Stay strong with your faith and try to persevere through all hardships. And always…ALWAYS…give thanks to God!

kellym40 General

Today’s Word: 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time – October 26, 2025

Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18

Psalms 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

Luke 18:9-14

Today we reflect on the readings for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Looking at the readings for today, it appears the three readings from Sirach, Second Timothy and Luke’s Gospel show us a clear, but challenging, message – true prayer is rooted in humility, not pride. So let’s look at Today’s Word.

First, I will look at the Psalm today. Again, it is a hymn of praise and rejoicing. It is rejoicing in God’s justice and responsiveness to those who approach him with humility and sincerity. It also echoes the message from the first reading that the Lord will hear those with a humble heart when they make their cries heard.

“The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and he will not be consoled until it reaches the Lord,” (Sirach 35:17, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). This reading from the Book of Sirach establishes the core theme by emphasizing God’s justice and attentiveness to the humble. Sirach assures us that God is not swayed by outward status or wealth. He hears the prayers of those who cry out from a place of oppression or injustice and brings them mercy. 

In St. Paul’s letter to Timothy, Paul is writing near the end of his life and reflects on his ministry with a posture of gratitude and faith, not pride. He tells Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). He persevered through hardships and is now in prison, and even then, did not give up his faith. Paul acknowledges that it was the Lord who stood by him and gave him the strength to persevere. His reliance on God, rather than his own abilities, serves as an example of humble faith. The reading continues with this line from the passage, which shows his enduring faith, “From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition).

This leads us to today’s Gospel, which is again from Luke. Again, in this passage Jesus speaks a parable. Last week we heard the parable of the widow and unrighteous judge. This teaching for the day teaches us, I believe, about the power of humility. The parable in today’s Gospel contrasts a proud Pharisee with a humble tax collector. The Pharisee, praying in the Temple, boasts of his righteousness and religious deeds, even congratulating himself for not being like other sinners, particularly the tax collector, who is just a little ways away from the Pharisee. The Pharisee’s prayer is self-congratulatory rather than a humble appeal to God, while the tax collector, not even attempting to look up to heaven, simply prays, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” (Luke 18:13, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition).  His prayer is short, from the heart, and humble.

As we know from other Gospel passages, the Pharisees liked to be seen while praying. They took seats of honor in the synagogue and such. They believed they needed to be seen by others to justify their own self-righteousness so they could be pleasing to God. That, of course, is simply not the case, as evidenced by the tax collector who is humbly praying to God for mercy because he is a sinner and knows it.  Jesus concludes the parable by saying, “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition).

The readings challenge us to examine our hearts and the posture of our prayer. Do we approach God with a list of our accomplishments and a comparison of ourselves to others, like the Pharisee? Or do we come before God with honesty, recognizing our failings and our need for his mercy, like the tax collector? The message is that God values a contrite heart over religious posturing and self-righteousness. 

In the readings, humility is presented not as a weakness but, I believe,  as the key that unlocks God’s grace. The tax collector’s humble prayer was powerful precisely because it came from a place of honest self-awareness. And, as seen in the parable, it invites us to take a path of courageous humility and dependence on God. 

A concluding thought here is that readings seem to offer a reminder that our faith journey is not a race, (as Paul mentions in his letter) but is a continuous walk with God that requires reliance on his mercy. Like Paul, we can trust that in our weakness, God’s strength is sufficient.

I will leave you with the idea of persistence and remaining faithful and reliant on his mercy with this scripture from Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians where he writes, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

Stay strong with your faith and try to persevere through all hardships. And always…ALWAYS…give thanks to God!

kellym40 General

Today’s Word: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time – October 19, 2025

Exodus 17:8-13

Psalms 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

2 Timothy 3:14-4:2

Luke 18:1-8

Greetings everyone. This week the Sunday readings consist of themes of persistent prayer and lasting faith. I am going to particularly focus on three of the readings in today’s post. I believe these three passages show that a persistent reliance on God is necessary for victory, righteousness, and eternal life. So let’s get into the readings for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

The first reading from Exodus tells the story of the Israelites’ battle with Amalek. As Joshua and his troops fight, Moses stands on a hill holding the staff of God. As long as Moses holds his hands up, the Israelites take control and readily win the fighting However,  when Moses’ arms get tired and fall, Amalek and his army start to win. Moses must rely on Aaron and Hur to hold his arms up for him until the battle is won. 

I believe this shows how Moses’s persistent, intercessory prayer demonstrates that God is the true power behind any success, and not on the strength of the Israelite army. When Moses gets tired and requires assistance from Aaron and Hur to help him illustrates how prayer can be difficult and tiring. This, I feel, reflects the idea that we,  as a Christian community, should support one another in faith and intercession

In the New Testament, the second reading from St. Paul’s letter to Timothy, Paul urges Timothy to remain faithful to the scriptures he learned in his youth, and to continue to preach the word diligently because “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). St. Paul tells Timothy to remain steadfast in preaching the Word because the task of spreading the Gospel is difficult at times and hardships can occur.

Today in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus tells another parable. This story is about the persistent widow who goes to a judge repeatedly in order to render a just sentence. As many times throughout the gospels, Jesus teaches through the stories in order to teach his disciples lessons. In this particular story, the lesson is “they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” (Luke 18:1, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). The parable states a widow continually asks a corrupt and unjust judge for a just ruling against her opponent. The judge, who “neither feared God nor regard for man;” (Luke 18:2, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition), eventually gives in just to basically get her off his back and stop bothering him. He didn’t believe in God or did not care about anyone else. So, in this, it feels like Jesus contrasts the unrighteous judge with a just and loving God. This means, if a corrupt official will act because of persistence, how much more then will a righteous God offer and give justice and good things to those who cry out to him?

The parable also seems to reassure believers that God hears their prayers and will act on behalf of his people. And remember, as I have talked about this before, God works in his own time. So the answer may not present itself right away or when you would like. And it may not be the exact answer you were looking for. This process requires confident and persistent faith, even when God’s response seems delayed.

Jesus concludes this parable ends with a touching question. Jesus asks his disciples, “when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). This, I believe, seems to challenge listeners to consider whether they will remain faithful and persistent in prayer and trust in God’s timing and will. 

The theme of persistence and remaining faithful reminds me of this scripture from Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians where he writes, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

Stay strong with your faith and try to persevere through all hardships. And always…ALWAYS…give thanks to God!

kellym40 faith

Today’s Word: 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time – October 12, 2025

2 Kings 5:14-17

Psalms 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

2 Timothy 2:8-13

Luke 17:11-19

The readings for today, this 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, bring to us stories that emphasize the themes of faith, gratitude, and healing for all people. I believe we can really see these themes of gratitude and praise with the Psalm and Gospel readings today.

So today I will start with the Psalm. As I mentioned before, most of the psalms are hymns of praise. The Psalm begins with “O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things!” (Psalm 98:1, The Great Adventure Bible – 2nd Catholic Edition). This reminds us to sing joyfully to the Lord always – to give glory and all praise to him because it is the Lord Jesus who died and offered himself on the cross for everyone. It is through him we receive the glory of God, and therefore we should rightly honor and praise God through Jesus. The passage today ends with the encouragement of all people to come together to praise as it says, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth, break forth into joyous song and sing praises!” (Psalm 98:4, The Great Adventure Bible – 2nd Catholic Edition). 

In the first reading today, the story is about Naaman, a Syrian general with leprosy who is cleansed after washing seven times in the Jordan River, following the instructions of the prophet Elisha. Naaman is a Gentile, where his healing signifies how God’s saving power transcends Israel. As we see in the reading, when Naaman is cured of his leprosy it causes a conversion in him and proves, to him, there is no other god than the God of Israel, leading him to abandon his false gods and worship the true God. It is interesting to note, Naaman was cleansed in the Jordan River. The same river where Jesus received his baptism from John the Baptist. It seems it becomes the source of extraordinary grace through faith.

In a way, the psalm echoes the first reading in that God’s saving grace extends to all people and is for all people. Those who believe and have the faith and trust in God may be granted through Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

The second reading today comes from St. Paul’s letter to Timothy. In this letter, Paul encourages Timothy to endure hardship for the sake of the gospel, reminding him that the Word of God cannot be chained. Paul wrote this letter while in prison and uses the chains he is bound in as a metaphor for God’s Word. Paul suffers and wears chains “like a criminal.” (2 Timothy 2:9, The Great Adventure Bible – 2nd Catholic Edition). Paul says the Word of God is not chained, meaning it is not contained by human suffering or persecution. Paul suffers for the sake of others, just as Jesus suffered for mankind. Paul wishes others the ability to “obtain the salvation which in Christ Jesus goes with eternal glory.” (2 Timothy 2:10, The Great Adventure Bible – 2nd Catholic Edition). Paul concludes this passage with “If we have died with him, we shall also live with him; if we endure, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful – for he cannot deny himself.” (2 Timothy 2:11-13, The Great Adventure Bible – 2nd Catholic Edition). 

I want to look at the last couple of verses. Paul writes in Verses 12-13, “if we endure, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful – for he cannot deny himself.” If we last and pass the tests of life, then we will surely be with him in heaven.

Trent Horn, Catholic Apologist, gave an example of the Prodigal Son on this topic. The father was so happy to see his son return that he embraced him and held a party for him. That is what it is like with us and our heavenly Father. We must not only repent our sins and run to the Father, but also run away from that sin which was in our life. Then we can be with Jesus and our heavenly Father.

The final line in the passage today may be difficult or confusing to some. I know it was for me the first few times I’ve read that verse. It seems it can have many interpretations. But looking into it, I found that the verse means God’s faithfulness is more of a matter of God’s own character (or Jesus’ character) and promises and is not a reflection of our own. He cannot be unfaithful to himself as we may sometimes feel in our life – faithless. If he were unfaithful to himself, then he would not be able to bring grace and forgiveness to us because those are his promises to us.

In the Gospel today, we continue with Luke. This passage tells the story of Jesus healing ten lepers, with only the Samaritan returning to give thanks. The Samaritan, in this story, shows God’s concern for the poor and outcast. The lepers were already social outcasts, but the Samaritan returning to Jesus to offer praise and gratitude shows he received a greater gift. He was not only cleansed, but also grateful for that as well. Gratitude is a spiritual response that completes the healing process. The leper was cured physically, but also healed spiritually. Salvation is a holistic, transformative experience that restores one’s dignity and relationship with God. The other nine lepers, preoccupied with fulfilling the Law by showing themselves to the priests, fail to recognize Jesus as the source of their cure. Their lack of gratitude reveals a spiritual blindness that remains unhealed.  

kellym40 faith

Today’s Word: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time – October 5, 2025

Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4

Psalms 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9

2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14

Luke 17:5-10

Good day! Welcome to the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time. It has been a couple of weeks since I have posted. I apologize. I have been going through a lot in the last few weeks. I will try to have a post here, but as I mentioned at the start when I began my podcast and these Sunday morning blog posts, there may be times where I may not be able to. Of course, I have discontinued my podcast for various reasons, but continued these posts, (with the exception of the last two weeks). Again, I apologize. 

I am working through the issues I have had and will resume this blog with this post. I may start up my podcast again or do something different with that. Anyhow, I will have this blog where you can continue to find reflections on the Sunday readings during the liturgical year of the Catholic Church.

Before going further, I would like to comment on the Gospel readings from the last two Sundays. On the 25th Sunday, Sept. 21, we had a reading from the Gospel of Luke. It was the story of the dishonest steward. This may have been a difficult passage to understand, but basically Jesus is saying in the parable to make friends in this life in case you need something later. Be prudent and charitable with our resources to others because, essentially, what we have is God’s and we shall be loving and giving to others in what God gave us. We must understand that this mortal life we have on Earth is temporary, and we must prepare for eternity by providing an account, if you will,  to God for how we have used what has been delegated to us.

Last Sunday’s Gospel was from Luke once again. In it, another parable from Jesus. This one was about two people. There was a rich man and a poor man, Lazarus. The poor man was out in front of the rich man’s house. He was covered with sores and begged for scraps. The rich man paid no attention to him. Finally, both men died. Lazarus was carried up to heaven and rested in the arms of Abraham, while the rich man was sent to Hades and suffered. It is important to note here that the rich man did not have a name. That is because the reader is expected to put his or her name in there because it could be anyone.. He ignored Lazarus all that time and now wanted Lazarus to do things for him because he didn’t think of Lazarus any more than a poor servant or beggar. This reminds us to act kindly and generously to others, as in the previous reading, what God has given us and take account of what we give and do to others. It will be repaid many times over in the glory of heaven.

So now that brings us to today, the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings today, I believe, call for steadfast faith and trust in God’s promises, even amidst hardship and waiting. The readings encourage cultivating hope, living by faithfulness, and acting on our faith through generous service, reminding us that even small acts of faith, when combined with God’s will, can accomplish great things. 

In the first reading, the prophet Habakkuk essentially cries out to God for all the evil and suffering he sees and asks God why hasn’t he done anything about it. God answers, “For still the vision awaits its time; it hastens to the end – it will not lie, if it seem slow, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:3, The Great Adventure Bible – 2nd Catholic Edition). This reminds us God works in his time. We must be patient and trust in the Lord God and live in faith. Habakkuk was called to write down God’s vision for a future fulfillment. This helps us maintain the hope for God’s kingdom even in difficult times.

The second reading, I believe, reflects the idea to take courage and faith in God’s word and to use that to help spread the message of the gospel, as it says in the Second Book of Timothy, “… rekindle the gift of God that is within you …, for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7, The Great Adventure Bible – 2nd Catholic Edition). By having faith and believing in the word of God, this should give us all the strength and courage to carry out God’s message even when the going gets tough.

Luke’s gospel today strengthens this idea of putting faith into action. It reminds us and teaches us that faith must be put into action through humble service. It emphasizes that even having faith the size of a “grain of mustard seed,” (Luke 17:6, The Great Adventure Bible – 2nd Catholic Edition), one can accomplish anything, which in turn encourages generosity and dedication to God’s will – leading to an abundant service to God.

So, keep the faith. Trust in God’s word and plan. In response to what things have transpired in my life in the last couple of weeks, I believe everything happens for a reason. Again, God has a plan. We must be patient and quiet in order to hear and discern what that plan is. In order to do that, we must have great faith. Even faith the size of a mustard seed.

kellym40 faith

Today’s Word: 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – September 7, 2025

Wisdom 9:13-18

Psalms 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17

Philemon 9-10,12-17

Luke 14:25-33

This Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, is the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time. The scripture readings for today offer another insight into the hard life as a Christian. I have talked about this a little in previous posts, but I will say it again here. Being a Christian is difficult. It’s not easy to follow Jesus. The life of a believer, requires total commitment for true discipleship, and, as it says in the day’s readings, wisdom in order to follow Christ.

I’m sure we have heard at some point or another, or perhaps said it ourselves. We should “Follow God’s plan” or “God has a plan for you.” These are nice thoughts, but what do they mean? How do we know if we are following God’s plan? There comes Wisdom. It says in the first reading, “For the reasoning of mortals is worthless, and our designs are likely to fail.” (Wisdom 9:14, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition) Here, the author of this book is looking at the limits of human understanding and the need to look beyond ourselves. Look for divine wisdom to try to understand God’s plan with the help of the Holy Spirit to hopefully guide us on the correct path.

In the second reading, St. Paul appeals to his friend Philemon to accept back his runaway slave, Onesimus, but this time as a brother in Christ. Paul stresses the importance that the Gospel has transformed their relationship, elevating it beyond normal social conventions.

It appears this passage provides a concrete example of the transformative power of Christian discipleship. The call to follow Christ requires a radical change in perspective that can shatter social norms. It calls followers to see others, regardless of their status, as equals and family in the Lord. 

The first reading sets the stage for the Gospel. We cannot follow Christ and understand the challenging demands of discipleship with our limited human minds alone. We must humbly rely on God’s grace and the Holy Spirit for true understanding and guidance – wisdom. In the gospel reading from Luke, Jesus delivers a challenging message to the large crowds following him, warning them about the high cost of discipleship. Jesus uses a startling word to the crowds who were following him. He says, “If any one comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). It is a strong word, but he uses it to emphasize that loyalty to him must take priority over all earthly relationships and attachments, which still may sound harsh – but again – the life of a Christian is not easy.

In his speech to his followers, he also asks them to essentially carry their own cross. I believe this means we must be willing to endure hardship and make sacrifices for the Gospel. Additionally, Jesus uses parables here as well, as Jesus spoke a lot in parables. The parables he tells are about building a tower and a king going to war to illustrate that commitment to the Christian life must be calculated and total. It is foolish to begin something so demanding without a full commitment to finishing it.

It seems the main idea, or central message, for today is that it is a reality check for anyone who would follow Jesus. It makes it clear that discipleship is not a casual or easy path but one that requires prioritizing Christ above all else, renouncing worldly possessions and comforts, and willingly embracing the burdens that come with a life devoted to God. 

kellym40 faith

Today’s Word: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – August 31, 2025

Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29

Psalms 68:4-5, 6-7, 10-11

Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24

Luke 14:1, 7-14

Today’s readings for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time focus on the virtue of humility. Key themes include the call to be humble, serve others, and invite the less fortunate to our gatherings, reflecting that the humble will be exalted and the proud will be humbled. 

The passage from the Book of Sirach opens with “My son, perform your tasks in meekness; then you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.” (Sirach 3:17, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). This should  encourage us to conduct our affairs with humility, emphasizing that humility leads to greater love and favor with God. It advises against seeking what is beyond our strength and highlights that the greater you are, the more humble you should be.

The Psalm sings of God’s goodness in helping the poor, and reminds us that it is right and just in rejoicing before God. It calls for praise to God, who acts as the defender of the fatherless and the widow and provides for the needy, as the Psalmist says.

The Letter to the Hebrews compares the fear of Mount Sinai with the joy and community of Mount Zion, where we come to the city of the living God and to Jesus, “the mediator of a new covenant,” (Hebrews 12:24, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). It highlights the spiritual reality of a community of the firstborn sons and citizens of heaven.

In the gospel, Jesus teaches us a parable about the social aspect of the Kingdom of God, advising guests not to take the place of honor at a banquet. He says, “For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). Jesus also says in his parable for the host to invite not those who are rich or in good stature, but invite the poor, the crippled, those less fortunate, as they cannot repay the kindness. This will solidify a blessing from God.

The combined readings guide believers to understand that God’s Kingdom operates on the principle of humility, self-emptying service, and inclusion. True spiritual value comes not from status or honor-seeking but from acknowledging God’s gifts, serving others, especially the poor, and accepting a humble position before God and society.

kellym40 General

Today’s Word: 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time – August 24, 2025

Isaiah 66:18-21

Psalms 117:1, 2

Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13

Luke 13:22-30

The readings for this 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time appear to emphasize God’s salvation is open to everyone, but does require a committed, diligent response from each individual. I feel the readings challenge us as believers to take seriously the importance of seeking the Kingdom of God and not assume their place is guaranteed. There comes the idea “once saved, always saved,” held by some Protestants, which extends from the idea of “faith alone.”

In the first reading, Isaiah foretells the gathering of all nations to Jerusalem to witness God’s glory. This passage brings forth the idea of a great message where people of different languages will be brought before God. This reading refers to the “catholic,” or universal nature of the Church, which was the original intent for all people, even Jews and Gentiles alike.

In the dictionary, catholic means universal.

The idea of “faith alone” or “once saved, always saved,” according to Catholic Apologist Jimmy Aiken, is not accepted by the Catholic Church:

St. Paul explicitly warns Judaizing Christians, “You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the Law; you have fallen away from grace” (Galatians 5:4). He also tells his audience of Corinthian Christians, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived,” and he goes on to list multiple sins, warning that those who commit them will not “inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9–10).

In Catholicism, it is possible to regain salvation, if one “loses it.” One can only lose salvation if a person commits a mortal sin, like murder or adultery. To regain this gift of salvation is to confess your sins. Jesus gave us the sacrament of Reconciliation when he said, “‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’” (John 20:21-23, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). 

We confess our sins to be reconciled with God through the Church, thereby restoring the grace that has been given us with the whole body of Christ, the Church. This can be seen in the parable of the Prodigal Son, as Aiken notes:

This is the point of the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32). In this parable, the father of the family represents God, and one of his sons leaves the family and embarks on a life of sin. Yet he repents and is welcomed back by the father, who declares that the son “was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found” (v. 32). It thus is possible for us to be children of the Father, to leave him for sin and become spiritually dead, and to return and be restored to spiritual life.

Isaiah tells us today God knows “their works and their thoughts,” (Isaiah 66:18, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition), and he is going to gather “all nations and tongues; and they shall come and shall see my glory,” (Isaiah 66:18, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). 

Once God sent his son Jesus, Jesus fulfilled the law of Moses and became the redeemer of the sins of the world through his sacrifice on the cross. Thus, allowing us to repent and confess our sins to be forgiven and receive fully the sanctifying grace God bestowed upon us.

Before moving on to the second reading and the gospel, I just want to make a quick note about the Psalm for today. It is a short one. Yet, it is still a powerful one to offer up praise to God, everyone, as it says in the first verse, “Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Psalm 117:1, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition).

The second reading comes to us today from the Book of Hebrews. The passage encourages us believers to persevere through the trials of life by understanding them as loving discipline from God. The reading for today begins, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves and chastises every son whom he receives.” (Hebrews 12:5-6, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2 Catholic Edition).

Just as a father disciplines his child out of love, God uses trials to train us in righteousness. This divine discipline is a sign that we are truly acknowledged as his children. The reading goes on to suggest we must be disciplined to endure to the end. The focus is on steady, persistent effort, to continue through the righteous path through life.

If you remember from last week’s gospel, living the Christian life can be difficult. Jesus said he was bringing division to people. Living Jesus’ life was full of trials and tribulations, ultimately ending on the Cross. Others, even your own family at times, will not always believe you or want to hear what you have to say about the Kingdom of God, just as there were those in Jesus’ time who did not believe.

In today’s gospel, Jesus warns against complacency and challenges his listeners to strive for salvation, which, of course, is not a given as we learned earlier. Jesus talks about a narrow door in the gospel. What is he talking about? A narrow door? When someone asks him if only a few will be saved, Jesus says this, “Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:24, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). This signifies that salvation is not a passive inheritance, but requires intentional effort by continuing good works to receive the sanctifying grace God wants to bestow on us.

And therefore, when Jesus says, “And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last,” (Luke 13:30, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition), it refers to a continuation of the theme from Isaiah. Many who were once “first” in receiving God’s covenant (the Jews) may be surpassed by those considered “last” (the Gentiles) in entering the kingdom. This further illustrates that salvation is a matter of personal commitment, not ethnic or religious identity. 

So in all, God’s plan of salvation is intended to be universal for all people from all walks of life. We as believers must continue good works and strive with personal effort, discipline, and commitment to achieve grace and salvation. And, we cannot falter when times are tough. Persevere through trials and tribulations and have a strong relationship with God to make it through the narrow door.

es require a committed, diligent response from each individual. I feel the readings challenge us as believers to take seriously the importance of seeking the Kingdom of God and not assume their place is guaranteed. There comes the idea “once saved, always saved,” held by some Protestants, which extends from the idea of “faith alone.”

In the first reading, Isaiah foretells the gathering of all nations to Jerusalem to witness God’s glory. This passage brings forth the idea of a great message where people of different languages will be brought before God. This reading refers to the “catholic,” or universal nature of the Church, which was the original intent for all people, even Jews and Gentiles alike.

In the dictionary, catholic means universal.

The idea of “faith alone” or “once saved, always saved,” according to Catholic Apologist Jimmy Aiken, is not accepted by the Catholic Church:

St. Paul explicitly warns Judaizing Christians, “You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the Law; you have fallen away from grace” (Galatians 5:4). He also tells his audience of Corinthian Christians, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived,” and he goes on to list multiple sins, warning that those who commit them will not “inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9–10).

In Catholicism, it is possible to regain salvation, if one “loses it.” One can only lose salvation if a person commits a mortal sin, like murder or adultery. To regain this gift of salvation is to confess your sins. Jesus gave us the sacrament of Reconciliation when he said, “‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’” (John 20:21-23, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). 

We confess our sins to be reconciled with God through the Church, thereby restoring the grace that has been given us with the whole body of Christ, the Church. This can be seen in the parable of the Prodigal Son, as Aiken notes:

This is the point of the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32). In this parable, the father of the family represents God, and one of his sons leaves the family and embarks on a life of sin. Yet he repents and is welcomed back by the father, who declares that the son “was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found” (v. 32). It thus is possible for us to be children of the Father, to leave him for sin and become spiritually dead, and to return and be restored to spiritual life.

Isaiah tells us today God knows “their works and their thoughts,” (Isaiah 66:18, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition), and he is going to gather “all nations and tongues; and they shall come and shall see my glory,” (Isaiah 66:18, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). 

Once God sent his son Jesus, Jesus fulfilled the law of Moses and became the redeemer of the sins of the world through his sacrifice on the cross. Thus, allowing us to repent and confess our sins to be forgiven and receive fully the sanctifying grace God bestowed upon us.

Before moving on to the second reading and the gospel, I just want to make a quick note about the Psalm for today. It is a short one. Yet, it is still a powerful one to offer up praise to God, everyone, as it says in the first verse, “Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Psalm 117:1, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition).

The second reading comes to us today from the Book of Hebrews. The passage encourages us believers to persevere through the trials of life by understanding them as loving discipline from God. The reading for today begins, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves and chastises every son whom he receives.” (Hebrews 12:5-6, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2 Catholic Edition).

Just as a father disciplines his child out of love, God uses trials to train us in righteousness. This divine discipline is a sign that we are truly acknowledged as his children. The reading goes on to suggest we must be disciplined to endure to the end. The focus is on steady, persistent effort, to continue through the righteous path through life.

If you remember from last week’s gospel, living the Christian life can be difficult. Jesus said he was bringing division to people. Living Jesus’ life was full of trials and tribulations, ultimately ending on the Cross. Others, even your own family at times, will not always believe you or want to hear what you have to say about the Kingdom of God, just as there were those in Jesus’ time who did not believe.

In today’s gospel, Jesus warns against complacency and challenges his listeners to strive for salvation, which, of course, is not a given as we learned earlier. Jesus talks about a narrow door in the gospel. What is he talking about? A narrow door? When someone asks him if only a few will be saved, Jesus says this, “Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:24, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). This signifies that salvation is not a passive inheritance, but requires intentional effort by continuing good works to receive the sanctifying grace God wants to bestow on us.

And therefore, when Jesus says, “And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last,” (Luke 13:30, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition), it refers to a continuation of the theme from Isaiah. Many who were once “first” in receiving God’s covenant (the Jews) may be surpassed by those considered “last” (the Gentiles) in entering the kingdom. This further illustrates that salvation is a matter of personal commitment, not ethnic or religious identity. 

So in all, God’s plan of salvation is intended to be universal for all people from all walks of life. We as believers must continue good works and strive with personal effort, discipline, and commitment to achieve grace and salvation. And, we cannot falter when times are tough. Persevere through trials and tribulations and have a strong relationship with God to make it through the narrow door.