The Gospel according to Matthew (19:23-30)
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich
to enter the Kingdom of heaven.
Again I say to you,
it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle
than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.”
When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said,
“Who then can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them and said,
“For men this is impossible,
but for God all things are possible.”
Then Peter said to him in reply,
“We have given up everything and followed you.
What will there be for us?”
Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you
that you who have followed me, in the new age,
when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory,
will yourselves sit on twelve thrones,
judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters
or father or mother or children or lands
for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more,
and will inherit eternal life.
But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
Reflection:
It occurred to me to take my reflection in a very different direction today, so hang on and stay with me! Tonight, at my parish of St Rita, we begin the OCIA process – the “Order of Christian Initiation for Adults”. I’m excited that we already have a good number who have expressed an interest in this journey. I also attended a seminar by the Archdiocese of LA’s Office of Divine Worship which presented a survey of why folks were looking into becoming Catholic in the last year. As a convert myself (had I mentioned that I’m a convert already?), I was very interested in why so many seemed to choose the Catholic faith lately.
There were several conclusions, but the one that I wanted to touch on today is this: people are looking for something deeper, but they also need to feel welcomed to the journey. That’s one area that we don’t always associate with the Catholic Church – being a place of welcome. Yes, I know that parishes have weekend hospitality (likely including coffee and donuts after Mass). But, do we also extend that hospitality to those seeking the Sacraments?
The thing that especially struck me was that folks often find that the focus is on completing this form, attending “classes” regularly, and being at Church at this time and that time – you know, the administrative things. And, that’s all wrong! Not that we should ignore the administrative parts – instead, that we extend that same sense of welcome to those, and guiding them with love and care along the journey.
At our parish of St Rita, our pastor has emphasized that the OCIA process is about falling in love with Jesus, and doing our best to help those who journey with us to live as a vibrant disciple of Jesus. So, this season, we are going to strive to keep a thread connecting every topic we cover with the person of Jesus, and our goal for our seekers to become disciples.
But, it can seem very hard! Today’s Gospel highlights that. Even the disciples themselves are wondering about all that they have given up. Jesus reassures Peter and the rest that they will have blessings and eternal joy, but that they shouldn’t think they are better or more entitled than the rest. We who accompany folks through the journey to the Sacraments should always do it with a underlying sense of humility, love and welcome.
I’m excited for this upcoming season and I pray for all of you who may help with OCIA at your parishes also do your best to extend that same welcome to those who are knocking at our doors, seeking only to receive Jesus Himself and then to take Him out into the world. What better endeavor can we ever hope to participate in?
Action for the Day:
Pray for all those who are seeking to become part of the Church through the OCIA process around the country and the world. And, if you are able, at your own parish, do what you can to support and assist that process, including showing love and welcome to those who are on the journey.
Link to the DEACON5 website: https://deacon5.com/
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