- Isaiah 66:18-21
- Responsorial Psalm 117:1-2
- Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13
- Luke 13:22-30
It is truly a grace-filled moment in time that I have voluntarily joined the Midlife Integration Process for priests here at Sto. Niño Spirituality Center in Consolacion, Cebu which started on August 18-29, 2025. This is an opportunity to reassess the changes we experience as human beings between the ages of 35 and 64. Midlife is a critical transition—one of the many stages of life—that we must embrace in order to navigate our journey with deeper meaning and purpose.
During this period, life challenges us in all aspects: physically, psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually. These challenges invite us to work toward becoming whole again. It is not perfection that we seek, but wholeness. In this journey, we must entrust ourselves to God’s grace and to the Blessed Mother, who lovingly “unties the knots” of our lives. In doing so, we allow ourselves the opportunity for true growth.
I recognize that without having spiritually solid experienced priests, the Church would not be able to live that fundamental obedience which is to be obedient to collaborate with Christ’s mission, an obedience in response to the command of Christ: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Mt. 28:19).
The Church, as always, is an instrument through which we encounter God and are reunited with His Kingdom. God gathers His children—those who are willing to endure and submit to His loving care. He gives us time to be restored and reconciled with Him.
The readings for today bring us a message of hope. The first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah speaks of the return of God’s people to Jerusalem. The prophecy assures us that God will fulfill His promises, bringing His people back with renewed hearts. It is a beautiful revelation of God’s generosity—gathering His people to manifest His saving power. The vision of people coming from all nations shows us that God desires His name to be glorified by all. He wants each person to be His ambassador, a living witness to others.
As the Lord says: “I will give them a sign and send some of their survivors to the nations… that have never heard of me or seen my glory.”
This reading clarifies God’s call and the mandate for all of us to become missionaries. God initiates the call to participate in His ongoing mission with our Lord Jesus Christ.
The second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews prepares us to fulfill this calling. Here, God is portrayed as a loving Father who disciplines His children. This discipline is not punishment, but formation—leading us to grow in righteousness and peace.
Although discipline and trials may be difficult, they ultimately transform us. Looking back, we begin to appreciate these sacrifices as opportunities for growth. The wounds we carry can become channels for healing others, teaching us resilience and compassion through hardship.
Today’s Gospel from St. Luke presents Jesus’ teaching that many will try to enter through the narrow gate, but not all will succeed. He reminds us that some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last.
I often wonder why so many people are anxious about the number of those who will be saved. Rather than focusing on numbers, we should concentrate on striving to achieve God’s glory. Salvation, though offered to all, is not automatic—it demands effort, commitment, and faithfulness. Jesus invites everyone, even though the path is narrow. We must be diligent and faithful, for God assures us a place at the feast of His kingdom.
God calls us to stay focused and disciplined, to be part of the great gathering of His elect. This requires humility and cooperation with His grace. Salvation involves not just intellectual knowledge of God, but a real, heartfelt relationship with Him. What truly matters is the disposition of our heart.
We must learn to endure, just as Christ endured suffering and death on the cross. Let us bear witness to the glory of God through discipline, charity, and obedience.
Let us focus on living out the virtue of humility and responding to God’s call to all people.
May these reflections from today’s readings encourage us to respond to God’s invitation to enter His Kingdom, and to cultivate the right attitudes to be part of His family. The reality of judgment is a reminder that we are accountable for our choices and actions.
God bless you always.
Fr. Arlon, OSA
