There is no such thing as a perfect parent neither is there a perfect child. Yet we must love each other in spite of our many flaws. For we are all children of God our Father who loves us. We must honour our father and mother because we had been entrusted to them to love and care for. Most sacrifice their lives to put food on the table, clothe and shelter us. They strive to be gentle and patient even though they may be constantly tested. They seek to bring us up in ways which are pleasing to God. As for those parents who choose to abandon their children, we must pray for God’s mercy upon them for their reckoning will be great. So children honour your father and mother in their old age. For you may be chosen by God to be a loving parent yourself one day.
To be First in the Kingdom of God is to do the Will of God. To walk on the narrow path of holiness and righteousness in Christ Jesus our Saviour.
We are last when we put ourselves first above all. When we refuse to turn away from sin and temptation. From pride and self righteousness. From opening our eyes to the needs of others, the poor and the oppressed. When we are not contrite, repentant and refuse the mercy of God through the sacraments He offers us. When we put family and friends ahead of doing His will for us. Most of all we are last when we fail to love;with His love. Amen
First reading
Ephesians 6:1-9
Duties in domestic life
Children, be obedient to your parents in the Lord – that is your duty. The commandment that has a promise attached to it is: Honour your father and mother, and the promise is: and you will prosper and have a long life in the land. And parents, never drive your children to resentment but in bringing them up correct them and guide them as the Lord does.
Slaves, be obedient to the men who are called your masters in this world, with deep respect and sincere loyalty, as you are obedient to Christ: not only when you are under their eye, as if you had only to please men, but because you are slaves of Christ and wholeheartedly do the will of God. Work hard and willingly, but do it for the sake of the Lord and not for the sake of men. You can be sure that everyone, whether a slave or a free man, will be properly rewarded by the Lord for whatever work he has done well. And those of you who are employers, treat your slaves in the same spirit; do without threats, remembering that they and you have the same Master in heaven and he is not impressed by one person more than by another.
Gospel
Luke 13:22-30
The last shall be first and the first last
Through towns and villages Jesus went teaching, making his way to Jerusalem. Someone said to him, ‘Sir, will there be only a few saved?’ He said to them, ‘Try your best to enter by the narrow door, because, I tell you, many will try to enter and will not succeed.
‘Once the master of the house has got up and locked the door, you may find yourself knocking on the door, saying, “Lord, open to us” but he will answer, “I do not know where you come from.” Then you will find yourself saying, “We once ate and drank in your company; you taught in our streets” but he will reply, “I do not know where you come from. Away from me, all you wicked men!”
‘Then there will be weeping and grinding of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves turned outside. And men from east and west, from north and south, will come to take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.
‘Yes, there are those now last who will be first, and those now first who will be last.’
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