Entering the Kingdom of God

"Help us to seek the values that will bring us enduring joy in this changing world. In our desire for what you promise make us one in mind and heart."
.
Good Sunday my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
Today's reading telling us about:
..First Reading: Gathering the people of all nations to praise His name.
..Second Reading: A Father who train His child.
..Gospel: Entering the Kingdom of God.
.
"And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."
.
The second reading mentioned that every father would train his son. Sometimes he might hit you if that is the only way to do. Most of the time as the child, we will feel that our father doesn't care and love us. I tell you, if our father doesn't love us, why in the first place He waste His precious time on hitting and train us? He could just leave us and let us suffer through our bad habit. Before situations hit you hard, Father will hit us to remind and wake us up. Trust is what we should have in Him.
.
Discipline. We need that so we will keep following the right track or get back on track should we've been straying a bit. This is what we need in our daily life so that God will recognize us when we are trying to enter through "the narrow door".
.
One's membership as a covenanted people does not automatically mean entry into the kingdom of God. Door mentioned in the reading is Jesus as He said, "I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved." In order to enter the Door, we should live in the way of the cross. So what does this way of the cross means? If we recall back the experience of Jesus while carrying the cross, it's heavy, painful and shameful. He managed to go trough the harsh situation. In this world nowadays, that type of sufferings is available anywhere, but in different form. We need to control our human desire which always opposite to God's teaching. We must struggle against the forces of temptation and whatever would hinder us from doing the will of God.
.
We have good news! We do not struggle alone as God is with us and His grace is sufficient for each and everyone of us. We will strive side by side for the faith if the Gospel.
.
Faith and Discipline is our key words for today.
.
God says, "You know why you only see one pair of foot steps on the sandy beach? Do you want to know where am I? Why am I not with you? Don't you know that the pair of foot steps is mine. You are seating on my shoulder. I am carrying you all this while. Silently and peacefully."
.
All the best and let us grow in faith together.
.
.
Regards,
.
.
Timben