Challenging Words from Jesus

Homily for Wednesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

The love God has for us is abundant as is demonstrated by Jesus’ willingness to die for our salvation, subjecting himself to death in a manner that was considered shameful. Strong, tender, sacrificial, and redeeming, his love is both a gift and an invitation. As is the case with any invitation, a response is required. However, that response need not be burdensome. It is corrective when correction is needed, empowering us to surrender to him. In today’s Gospel text, Jesus has some very hard words for those he sees going astray and leading others astray. Jesus knows when to speak tenderly and when to speak sternly.

In the first reading, Paul writes, “We treated each one of you as a father treats his children, exhorting, and encouraging you, and insisting that you walk in a manner worthy of God.” Good fathers and mothers know how to bring out the best in their children. Good disciples know how to bring out the best in other disciples.

Jesus is doing the Father’s will when he is challenging us to relinquish ways that are harmful to our life. Like a good Father he provides the food we need to grow and thrive. In every Eucharist, he comes to us exhorting and encouraging so that we may enter into the kingdom of God. This is another manifestation of God’s love for us. May we always have a response to God’s invitation.