Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
When we hear the word master, one the first images that come to my mind is one of slave owner. Other phrases like master carpenter or master plumber also come to mind. In both the first reading and the gospel we hear the theme of the Lord as our master. In order to best understand what the term master means for us, let us first consider what is master of our hearts. In many ways our passions are the answer to this question, though not always. Sometimes we satiate our passions with alcohol, food, or some other desire that helps us feel whole. This desire might be healthy for us, but often it is not. This passion might be for control over lives by 24/7 news, politics, or work; for some it might obsessively working out, or video game play. Many times these passions become the Master of our life.
Another word that comes out of both readings today is to strive. In the first reading, this striving calls children to obey their parents. It also calls parents to work hard to raise their children, forming them in the ways of the Lord. The letter to Ephesian reminds all, whether slave or Master, we are to strive to do the will of God from our heart.
The gospel gives this sense of striving urgency. The time is short, the gate is narrow. Many will try to enter, few will make it. The urgency puts us at the table of the Lord, and declares that we must not reject Jesus, like the Scribes and Pharisees have done. The Master will recognize us if our hearts are mastered by the Lord. Many of those who were first chosen, did not allow Jesus to become their savior. Those chosen last, the gentiles, recognized the messiah and chose to make Him their Master, thus the last become the first.
The call of the psalm is that the “Lord is faithful in all his words and holy in all his works.” As such, we need to make the Lord the Master of our life. Today let us reflect on our passions. Lord, help us to make you the master of our lives by giving us the strength to be aware and change.
- Mike Montgomery