Readings: Bible Study: Ephesians 6:1-9, Ps. 145:10-14, Luke 13:22-30
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right… Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:1-4)
Jesus was asked if there would be only a few who would attain eternal life. He did not answer that question; rather, he told us how to attain eternal life. Whether there would be few of us in heaven is unimportant. What matters is for you to make it to heaven.
- What must we do to make heaven? Jesus says: “Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:24). We can draw three things from Jesus’ statement. 1) Heaven demands toiling. You must “strive” to enter it. Jesus has given us salvation free of charge, but entering eternal life requires effort. You must desire heaven and be intentional in your thoughts, words and actions.
- 2) The door is narrow (not common or popular). Also, it demands reducing one’s weight or shedding off attachments to worldly riches and pleasures. From the encounter with the rich man who asked Jesus about eternal life, we learn that heaven requires keeping God’s commandments (such as “Honour your Father and Mother”, which St. Paul mentions in today’s First Reading) and being charitable to the poor. “Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (Mark 10:21).
- 3) Many will “try” to enter but will not make it. Many Christians today assume they are on the right track to heaven, but they will be disappointed on the Last Day. Many of us, Christians and pastors, are not sincere. We are two-faced. Jesus said: “Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from; depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!’” (Luke 13:26-27). We are familiar with God but refuse to let go of iniquity.
- The price of heaven is righteousness. It is not tithes, offerings or donations. It is not according to the number of times you attend church or which church you attend. Jesus said: “Many will come from east and west, and north and south, and sit at the table in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 13:29). Even though the door is narrow, it will accept many people. Some of those you have written off now (because they don’t attend your church or do not pretend like you) will enter heaven. Jesus said: “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” (Matthew 21:31)
- In today’s first reading, St. Paul explains the benefits of obeying the fourth commandment: 1) That it may be well with you, and 2) That you may live long on the earth. (Ephesians 6:3). You are blessed when you honour your parents. In our society today, parents go through hardship to secure their children’s future. Do not turn your back on your parents when they are old when they need you.
- St. Paul had a way of balancing everything up. For instance, he said, “Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord”, then he added, “Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and offered himself for her.” Today, while encouraging children to honour their parents, St. Paul also adds: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger. Masters, act with forbearance, show no partiality.” Recently, I heard the story of a child who died in a public school while serving corporal punishment. Do not provoke your children in the name of discipline. Bear with them and teach them if they fail to meet your expectations. Be a guild to them rather than a terrorist.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us be good children and parents. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of week 30 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ephesians 6:1-9, Ps. 145:10-14, Luke 13:22-30).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu