21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Isaiah 66:18-21; Hebrews 12:5-7,11-13
Isaiah gives us the image of God who gathers people of every nation and language into His presence, showing us that His love is universal and His plan of salvation embraces all. Yet the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us that being part of this divine gathering also means accepting the discipline of a loving Father. Correction and even suffering are not signs of abandonment, but of belonging: “the Lord trains the ones that he loves.” Just as a father disciplines his children to help them grow, God allows us to walk through trials so that our faith may be strengthened and our lives purified. This perspective transforms suffering from something meaningless into part of our training for holiness. To be gathered into God’s people is both a gift and a responsibility, we are called to endure difficulties with hope, trusting that every hardship can shape us more deeply into sons and daughters who reflect His love. Let’s reflect: When I experience correction, trials, or suffering, do I see them as signs of God’s love shaping me into His child, or do I let discouragement prevent me from trusting His fatherly care?
Don Giorgio