Isaiah 66.18-21 | Hebrews 12.5-7,11-13 | Luke 13.22-30

We begin the twenty-first week of Ordinary Time with Mother Church, still in the month of vocations, reflecting on the vocation of the lay faithful in the Church and society, especially that of catechists.

As we know, the lay faithful are missionary disciples who live their faith in the world of family and work, being witnesses to Christ, "salt of the earth, light of the world" (cf. Matthew 5:13-14) and "leaven in the dough" (cf. Matthew 13:33).

Besides acting in society—influencing culture, politics, and the economy with the values ​​of the Gospel—the lay faithful also act in the Church, assuming responsibilities in communities, pastoral care, and movements, supporting bishops and priests in evangelization and administration.

Every lay faithful, through Baptism, is a priest, prophet, king, and missionary, offering spiritual sacrifices pleasing to God, proclaiming divine justice, denouncing human injustices, being good and just in the stewardship of the goods of creation, and making Christ known and loved throughout the world through words accompanied by deeds.

Speaking specifically of catechists, these are the lay faithful who dedicate themselves to the important task of bearing witness to Christ and the Church, awakening faith through the transmission of Christian truths from past generations to new generations, with fidelity and creativity.

Today, the Evangelist Luke speaks to us of the narrow gate, of practicing justice for salvation, and of the accessibility of the Kingdom of God to all.

In short, Jesus said that salvation—in which Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the prophets participate—while accessible to people throughout the world, is exclusive to those who practice justice.

Yes, salvation is a gift from God, and no one deserves to be saved because of their sins. But the disciples had to strive to do God's will, because, in order to be saved, it was not enough to eat and drink before Jesus and listen to His teachings.

The "last who will be first" represented the non-Jews from all over the world who, hearing Christ's teachings through the missionaries, would practice justice and enter the Kingdom of God. And the "first who will be last" represented the Jews who, ignoring Christ's teachings, would persist in their errors, would not strive, and would not enter through the narrow gate.

For salvation, faith and works are required: let us believe in the power of God who redeemed us through the death and resurrection of Christ, and at the same time, let us do God's will and practice justice.

Today, the prophet Isaiah speaks to us of the Lord's messengers, sent to distant lands that had not yet heard of Him, bringing their brothers from all over to His holy mountain in Jerusalem.

Thus, God's desire for all peoples to see His glory and be saved is evident. In other words, salvation was universal and not exclusive to the Jews.

Isaiah even emphasized that the Lord would choose some from among the non-Jews to be priests and Levites, that is, responsible for worship in the temple.

Our Church is Catholic, it is universal. Let us be missionaries and proclaim to all peoples the divine desire for salvation, so that they may convert and live.

Today, the author of the letter to the Hebrews speaks to us of the Lord's corrections, like a father who educates his child out of love.

According to the author, God accepts us and treats us as children. Although correction causes pain and not joy, it produces a fruit of peace and justice.

Let us not be discouraged when the Lord rebukes us, for His correction heals us so that our feet do not go astray.

God is Father, and the Church—which is us—is Mother. Sometimes it is necessary to correct and rebuke firmly. But may we do so with fraternal charity, with patience, like someone applying a medicine that needs time to take effect.

Let us ask God to bless the lay faithful in fulfilling their vocation, so that they may live their daily lives in holiness and support the growth of the Kingdom of God in the world. May more and more lay faithful assume responsibilities in the Church.

Local: Praia Grande - SP, Brasil

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