FR. OLMAN’S HOMILY

08/26/2007

TWENTY FIRST SUNDAY ORDINARY TIME

While Jesus was journeying toward Jerusalem, St Luke writes “Someone asked him, Lord, will only a few be saved?.  The Lord did not answer this question directly because knowing the number of those who are saved is not important.  What is important is that each one of us makes sure that we are saved.  Therefore the Lord replied “strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you will try to enter and will not be able”.  The broad way is the way of self-indulgence, of self-gratification, of drugs, of drunkenness, of sex, etc.  This way leads to destruction, destruction of higher sentiments, of peace, of conscience, of the life of the spirit, of faith, hope and charity, of character and dignity.

God confronts us with the narrow gate of exacting demands.  The narrow way is the way of renunciation, of repentance, of sacrifice. 

However salvation is open to all of us during our life here on earth. But mere membership in the Church is not enough for attaining salvation. The passport of attaining salvation is charity.  Our Catholic faith must produce fruits in daily life. 

There is a story of a man who in this world had been used to every luxury.  He died and when he arrived in heaven, an angel was sent to conduct him to his place.   They passed through many lively mansions, and the man thought each one, as they came to it, must be the one allotted to him.  When they had passed through the main streets of heaven they came to the suburbs and the outskirts where the houses were much smaller.  On the very fringe they came to a house which was little more than a hut. “That is your house” said the angel.  “What” said the man; “I cannot live in that”.  “I am sorry” said the angel “but that is all that we could build for you with the material you sent you from the earth”.

We are continually sending up material to heaven for our future building.  If we send up gold, then we shall have a golden house.  If we send up silver, we shall have a silver house.  If we send up iron, we shall have a iron house.  If we send up only straw, we shall have only a straw house.

Many a man may stand well in the judgment of the world, but the judgment of God may well upset the world’s judgment.  It is a warning against pride.

The second reading today tells us “My child, does not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, or lose heart when you are punished by him; for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves, and chastises every child whom he accepts”.  Life’s trials and troubles are signs not of God’s absence, but of his presence.  They are a test or an examination.  Let us submit ourselves to God’s loving discipline.