Saint Rita Catholic Church and School in Webster, NY - An Introduction to the Sunday Scripture Readings

“Behold, Some Are Last Who Will Be First”

Our scripture readings for this Sunday focus our attention on the end times, the final in-gathering of Israel and all the nations on earth into the New Jerusalem. God’s mercy and invitation will call all peoples (Israelites and Gentiles) into relationship with Him. Even so, said Jesus, all who enter must enter through the “narrow gate”; thus it will take dedication and relationship with God

In our first reading from the end of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah (Is 66:18-21), we hear a final prophesy of Isaiah to uplift the Jews who were returning to Jerusalem from exile. God will gather “nations of every language” to see His glory. He will then send them out to gather all the lost people of Israel (Israelites in exile) and bring them back. Some of these Gentiles, God will even take as priests.

In our Epistle reading (Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13), the author instructs his readers (and us) that their current trials can be seen as a form of training, or discipline, from a loving father for the purpose of future peace and righteousness. Rather than losing heart, we should endure our trials with courage as a form of “discipline.”

In our Gospel reading (Luke 13:22:30), Jesus continued His journey to Jerusalem, teaching as He went. Here, Jesus taught a strong message to His followers: those who were initially called but who reject God shall, by their own actions, be denied entry into the Kingdom; while those from afar (Gentiles) who do accept God will be welcomed to the table of the Master. Thus “some are last who will be first.”

There are many messages that can be gleaned from today’s readings, but here are three to consider: 1) God’s invitation to relationship with Him is universal—all people and all nations will be invited into His glory;

2) Those who go through life just going through the motions, paying lip service to their faith and relationship with God, may find themselves having trouble fitting through the “narrow gate”; and

3) Rather than disdain and turn away from God, we should embrace our trials and difficulties as an opportunity to more closely united with our suffering Jesus, keeping our eyes on the “peaceful fruit of righteousness” that will surely come.

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082425.cfm