A Journey of Faith—Strive and Proclaim
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C)- Gospel: Luke 13:22–30; First Reading: Isaiah 66:18–21; Second Reading: Hebrews 12:5–7, 11–13; Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 117
Blessed be God. Praise be to Jesus Christ—now and forever.
Come, Holy Spirit. Stir our hearts. Wake us up. Fill us with the fire of Your presence. Amen.
When I was a little boy, I loved watching Gomer Pyle, USMC.
Gomer was a kind-hearted country boy, tossed into the strict world of the Marines.
And whenever something unexpected happened, he’d light up and say:
“Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!”
It was innocent, joyful, and somehow—wise.
Because Gomer didn’t just react. He noticed. He found meaning in the unexpected.
That memory came rushing back as I prayed over today’s readings.
Because today, God is speaking through surprises.
Not just gentle ones—but holy ones.
Some comfort us. Some challenge us.
All are meant to wake us up.
Because the truth is—many of us are asleep.
We hear what we want to hear and say the prayers. We go through the motions.
But faith is not a routine. It’s a fire.
It’s a journey. It’s a surrender.
For those who are asleep, it can be full of surprises.
Surprise #1: God’s Glory Reaches the Margins
Isaiah gives us a vision of God gathering people from faraway places—Tarshish, Put, Lud, Tubal, Javan.
These aren’t the centers of power. They’re the forgotten corners.
And yet, God says: “I will send survivors to the nations… and they shall proclaim My glory.”
Surprise! God’s glory doesn’t stay locked in the sanctuary.
It reaches the coastlands.
It seeks the broken-hearted, the overlooked, the ones who feel far away.
Even today, God sends witnesses—ordinary people with extraordinary love.
A child’s prayer. A quiet act of mercy. A life lived in hidden faithfulness.
That’s where the Gospel shines brightest.
Surprise #2: Salvation Is Not Automatic
In the Gospel, someone asks Jesus, “Will only a few be saved?”
Jesus doesn’t give a number.
He gives a warning: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate.”
Surprise! Being born Catholic doesn’t guarantee heaven.
Salvation isn’t inherited—it’s entered.
It’s not about labels or proximity. It’s about surrender.
Jesus says, “We ate and drank with you” isn’t enough.
What matters is whether we allowed Him to transform us.
The Kingdom of God is not a club we join.
It’s a home we choose—daily—through humility and love.
Surprise #3: The Last Will Be First
Jesus says, “Some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”
Surprise! Heaven will be full of those who’ve stumbled, fallen, and cried out for mercy.
It will be full of sinners who repented—not saints who boasted.
It may be missing those who looked the part, gave generously, and claimed salvation—but never truly surrendered their hearts.
God sees beyond appearances.
He sees the ache, the longing, the quiet yes whispered in the dark.
Surprise #4: Discipline Is Love
Hebrews reminds us: “Whom the Lord loves, He disciplines.”
Surprise! Trials are not signs of rejection—they’re signs of love.
God is shaping us, strengthening us, healing what is weak.
He invites us to walk straight paths, to lift our drooping hands, to trust that even pain can be a doorway to grace.
Discipline is not punishment—it’s preparation.
It’s the Father’s way of saying, “I believe in who you’re becoming.”
Surprise #5: We Are Sent
Isaiah says: “They shall proclaim My glory among the nations.”
Jesus says: “Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.”
Surprise! The mission isn’t just for priests, deacons, or missionaries.
It’s for all of us.
We proclaim Christ not only with words, but with lives of mercy, justice, and love.
Even the quiet faithful—those who serve without recognition—are telling the Good News.
Every act of kindness, every moment of forgiveness, every step toward healing is a proclamation of God’s glory.
So today, let’s receive the Gospel of surprise with open hearts.
Let’s not assume we’re in—let’s strive to enter.
Let’s not judge who’s out—let’s witness to all.
Let’s not fear discipline—let’s welcome it as love.
And let’s not wait to proclaim the Good News—let’s live it now.
Because the greatest surprise of all…
might be that He lets us in.
And even more—He sends us out.
Lord Jesus,
You call us from the margins,
You send us through the narrow gate,
You surprise us with mercy.
Wake us from comfort and routine.
Shake us from pride and assumption.
Let us strive with humility,
and proclaim Your glory with love.
Make our lives a witness—
not of perfection,
but of Your presence.
Friends,
Live gently. Love deeply.
Let your life speak the Gospel—through kindness, mercy, and the way you lift others up.
Let holiness be less about perfection and more about presence—being with God, being for others.
And in all things, may your heart echo the praise:
Blessed be God. Praise be to Jesus Christ—now and forever. Amen.
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