DISCIPLINED DISCIPLES

August 22, 2010

TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
Isaiah 66:18-21; Hebrews 12:5-7.11-13; Luke 13:22-30


“Enter through the narrow door.” (Luke13:6)

'My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, or lose heart when you are punished by him; for the Lord disciplines the ones whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he accepts’. (Heb 12:11)



The narrow door: In Bethlehem, one experience that the pilgrims cannot forget is entering the grotto of the nativity. The door way of the grotto leading to the spot where the birth of the Savior took place is so low and narrow that you cannot get in unless you bend and stoop down as you pass through the door. Once you are inside, you come face to face with the unimaginable grace of God in witnessing the spot where incarnation took place. The door of the grotto was designed in order to prevent unwanted elements entering the grotto. It reminds us of the call of Jesus, “enter through the narrow door”, “wide is the door that leads to destruction.” In and by His incarnation, Jesus made an opening in heaven, and now we are invited to enter life through the door Jesus opened for us.

Jesus, the door: The door of heaven is Jesus Himself. He said, “I am the gate of the sheep. My sheep come in and go out through me”. This is why we believe that apart from Christ there is no salvation. No amount of struggle, knowledge, spiritual practices and self-chastising would find us in heaven, unless we walk “the way” of Christ and enter through the door of Christ. Through the door of Christ has come upon us grace and mercy.

The cross of Cross of Christ is the way that connects heaven and earth. Everyone who walks this path will enter the sanctuary of heaven. Indeed, it needs a stooping down and walking on our knees.

Discipline is the way: The narrow gate Jesus refers to is a disciplined way of life. In the second reading, in the letter to the Hebrews, we are reminded lead a life of discipline. To walk through the gate of heaven requires a rigorous life of discipline. Discipline accomplishes two things for us: it refines us and makes us strong. The strength of a person is not in the muscle power, but in the will power. Indeed, what distinguishes us humans from the rest of creation is the will-power we possess.

The difference between a disciplined and undisciplined person is that the former is refined while the latter is wild. An undisciplined person lives by impulses, inclinations and passions. His life is shaped by emotions and feelings. A disciplined person lives by the strength of the spirit, his will power and the dictates of his conscience. Discipline brings in character and long life.

Shake up and shape up: Discipline involves a painful process of self-restraint and shaping up. Putting pressure on the body mind and soul, discipline brings about restrictions and demands sacrifices. Yet, in the light of the greater goals it can achieve, namely in refining and strengthening my life, discipline becomes not a cause of pain but of joy. Discipline shapes me up to enter through the narrow door. It strengthens my weak knees and drooping hands. I fall on my knees and fold my hands before the Lord constantly. “Be strong to stand the trials”, the scripture invites us today.

Imposed discipline: The society imposes discipline on us because that we may be refined and made perfect. The more a parent loves his/her child the more he/she will discipline the child. From the first moments of our birth, with the very first act of life after birth, the cry of the baby, we begin this process of discipline that will last until we enter the gates of heaven. Everyone is happy when they hear the first cry of the baby, for it indicates life. Whatever goal one may set for his/her life, it demands from him a long process of discipline. An athlete would need to control his diet, put pressure on his body and have a rigorous life-style. For us on the way to the gates of heaven, we need also a spiritual life of discipline.

Spiritual exercises: The Lord Jesus, through the Church offers us a program of constant exercises to shape up our spirit. The daily reading of the scriptures, the liturgy of the hours, the regular attendance to the Holy Eucharist and other sacraments, daily devotions, acts of charity and fidelity to the state of life are programs that discipline us. Another way of discipline is given to us in the form of the Ten Commandments. Therein we are demanded of restricting the natural tendencies of our body and mind, and controlling our self-indulgences into the attractions of our senses and the lure of the world.

Trials as discipline: Yet another form of spiritual discipline is that of trials. God allows us trials, difficulties, pains, agonies, temptations and distractions in life because He wants us to be strong. We are often being tested by fire. As gold is tested in fire, so are we purified and refined in trials of life. Trials are not to destroy us. It is comforting to think that trials are signs of God’s love and grace for us. The more we are being loved by God, the more He will purify us that we may become like Him. So, if right now you are in pain or trial, know that you are in grace, in the intimacy of the love of God. Fold your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees… the Lord is leading you through the narrow door!

Thought Capsule:
“The path to paradise is through the cross” –St Rose of Lima.