August 24, 2025 – Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Things to talk about:

• Do you spend any time thinking about who will be saved or if you will “make it into heaven?” Why or why not?
• Why do we need “saving”?
• What do you think Jesus means when he says “Strive to enter through the narrow gate?” What does that mean for you in your life today?
• Think of someone you know or have perhaps heard about whom society considers “last,” yet you believe is beloved of God. Share with one another about him/her.

Things to do:

• To enter through “the narrow gate” means listening to God and following his commandments. This week, work on the 8th commandment, which commands us not to gossip or talk badly about others. See if you can go the whole week without breaking this commandment.
• Consider learning more about another religious denomination. How do the practices of the tradition resonate with practices of the Catholic faith? How do they differ?
• Make “Small Gate” Stuffed Bell Peppers: Stuffed peppers where the filling is carefully packed into the “small gate” of the pepper, representing the careful and intentional choices made on the narrow path. 
• We hear this Gospel every three years on the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time. Watch this kid’s video on “the narrow gate” to hear an explanation for children.”

Closing Prayer

Lord, thank you for this time shared in faith.
May reflecting on your scripture inspire us to act with greater love as we go out
from here.

Amen.

Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.

Catholic Insights

Throughout all of history, in many world religions, there have been people who
have been obsessed with the question of who will be saved and/or how many
people will be saved. The anonymous person who asked Jesus “Lord, will only a
few people be saved?” seems to be in this category. The question may come from
a place of genuine concern—as in “I want to be with my loved ones for all eternity.” Or it may come from a place of self-concern, much like a child who wants assurance that he will be rewarded from his parents for his good behavior while his brother is punished for his bad behavior.

Jesus refuses to make any promises to those who are trying to earn a place in
heaven. His response (“Strive to enter through the narrow gate…”) points the
questioner back to himself, as if to say “The others are none of your business;
worry about yourself.” He goes on to warn that being close to him physically,
being related to him as a Jew, or being in a highly regarded social position won’t
guarantee entry into the Kingdom of God. Like many of his parables, Jesus
turns the conventional thinking of the day upside-down, suggesting that there
are many whom society considers unworthy or outcasts who are welcomed and
cherish

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Did you know…Transfiguration has been gifted with a new Tabernacle in memory of Fr. Fernando. Stop in the narthex of the church to view the new tabernacle before it is installed in the chapel.

Watch the video, “Mysteries of the Tabernacle” on the FORMED website.

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Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection