The gospels make it clear that our destiny depends on the outcome of our encounter with Christ.

Dear Visitors and Parishioners,

August 18, 2019

The gospels make it  clear  that  our  destiny  depends on the outcome of our encounter with Christ. He is the means by which we will be saved; that salvation depends on whether or not we 'know' Jesus Christ. Simply claim­ing to have spent time with  him does not count. True discipleship is not a casual relationship with Jesus nor does it involve careful approval of his teachings. The cost of discipleship involves a sacrificial kind of love which commits us to Christ and to all that he commands, both by word and example. We should strive to be more fully committed to Christ. The one who reaches their true des­ tiny is the one who enters by the narrow door of personal commitment, conversion, and an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

As Saint Paul insisted 'God wants all to be saved and to come to a knowledge  of the truth'. The narrow  door can be challenging, but  ask the Father  to let you keep your eye on that heavenly destiny as well as the strength to keep pushing towards it. Even though the door to our eternal kingdom may be narrow, it is open to anyone who seeks it. It will require not physical, but spiritual strength to pass through that gate. Spiritual strength that leads to salvation. This strength can only be developed  through discipline as written in the second reading. It takes prepa­ration, examination of conscience, deep prayer, active sac­ramental life, mercy, justice, and a disciplined way of life.

Jesus is asking us take up the cross and follow him every day of our lives. It is the cross that will bring everlasting life. Victory is not impossible, especially with Christ as our Savior. Jesus is challenging us to make our salvation a matter of deliberate and sustained effort.

-Fr. Peter Damian, O.P.