Catholics In Nigeria

*TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR, C, (AUGUST 23, 2025)*

Readings: 1st: Is 66:18-21; Ps: 116:5-7. 11-12; 2nd: Heb 12:11-13; Gos: Lk 12:22-30

SALVATION IS FOR ALL AND NOT FOR AN EXCLUSIVE FEW PEOPLE

Salvation is a gift from God to all people irrespective of their tribe, race and color. St. Paul in his first letter to Timothy chapter 2:4 reminds us that it is the will of God that all people be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. This verse gives us the key to the whole liturgy of today. It says that God does not will that salvation be the privilege of an exclusive few individuals. If God wills that all be saved, then salvation is a gift meant for all. And like every gift, the recipient must be ready to accept it. Unfortunately, not all is willing to accept this gift. But in his infinite mercy and compassion, God is still waiting for men and women of all nations to embrace this gift because the call to salvation is universal in character.

In the first reading, God says through the mouth of Isaiah that I am coming to gather nations of every language and they shall come and see my glory (Is 66:18). This message is sustained by our lord Jesus Christ in today’s gospel when he says that people will come from the east, from the west, from the north and south and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God in Lk 13:29. The Responsorial Psalm prompt us to our own role in all of this when the response tells us to go out into the whole world and proclaim the good news.

The second reading grounds us with the reality that this mission, though glorious is not without pain and struggle. This is why the second reading speaks of discipline. It might be painful but it trains us because without discipline no child grows into a responsible adult. Without discipline, no Christian matures into Holiness. We must be ready to walk the path of detachment and mortification.

In the Gospel reading of today, we see that this same mentality that salvation belongs to only our kind was alive in Jesus’ time. That is why someone asked him in today’s Gospel, “lord will only a few people be saved?” The real meaning of this question was, “will it be only us, the Israelites that will be saved?” Will heaven be our private inheritance? Jesus in his wisdom refuses to answer the question on their terms. He does not give statistics on who will enter or will not enter the kingdom of God. Instead, he redirects the question by saying, “try to enter through the narrow door.” In other words, salvation is not about speculation on who will or who will not make it to heaven. But about your own fidelity and decision for God. Do not waste your time counting heads of those who go to heaven but make sure that you yourself is not left outside.

Dearly beloved, do not be left out. Salvation is offered to all but not all will enter. The door is narrow but it is still open. The mountain to climb is steep but the spirit will strengthen us. The journey is long but Christ has walked it before. Today, God asks you one thing, will you strive, will you fight, will you lay aside your baggage, will you allow him to discipline you into becoming a true disciple? A true disciple is one is disciplined and unencumbered with a load of baggage as he follows the path laid down by his master.

May heavenly song, “praise the lord all you nations, acclaim him all you peoples, psalm 117” be always on our lips now and when the eternal liturgy begins. May the lord bless his words in our hearts in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy spirit. Amen

*SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, (YEAR C)*

Readings: 1st: Gen 18, 1-10; Ps: 14, 2-5; 2nd: Col 1, 24-28; Gos: Lk 10, 38-42.

*BE CHARITABLE AND HOSPITABLE WITH YOUR TIME AND RESOURCES*

A central message connects the first reading with the Gospel. It is the message of "Charity and Hospitality." A true Christian must imbibe these virtues. The virtue of Charity is seen in action through hospitality. One of the basic christian values that should characterize a soul is the ability to be generous with your resources as well as with your time.

In the first reading, from the book of Genesis, the scripture describes how Abraham and Sarah were favored by God with the birth of a Son due to their hospitality to Angels who disguised as strangers.

St. Paul in his letter to the colossians expressed his fulfilled happiness for having suffered for the Church of Christ. He invites us to be charitable with our time and open our hearts and minds to accept the messages of the revealed mystery which is Christ Himself.

In the Gospel, we see a mix of charity and hospitality. On the one hand, we see how Martha displayed the traditional Jewish hospitality to Jesus by preparing him a meal. On the other, we see how Mary her sister was generous with her time as she spent it listening to Jesus.

Dear beloved, we need both the hospitality of Martha and the openness of Mary. We should strive earnestly to possess the zeal and hospitality of Martha in giving our time to people. At the same time, we should be ready to listen to people and make them feel welcomed like Mary.

In order to achieve a perfect mix of charity and hospitality, we need to open up our hearts and minds like St. Paul and Mary who desired nothing else, but to be at the feet of Christ who brings good news. In as much as charity and hospitality are sisters like Mary and Martha, our priority should be to sit at the Lord feet, hearing his word. The words of the Lord will guide us through the works that we do. Therefore, no matter how tight our schedule might be working for the Lord, it should never take away our time to listen to God daily through the scriptures. It should not take away the time to listen to our spouses, our children, friends and neighbors.

The Lord is always close to us more than we can imagine. Let us welcome him into our hearts like Martha welcomed him into her house. Let us cast away every distraction that causes anxiety and stress and cast ourselves and our challenges at the feet of him who brings good news into our lives. The only one thing that is needed is to abide in the Lord and he will abide in you. Amen.

Fr. Michael Eihebhoria, C.Ss.R