today's readings are 2 Kings 19; Psalm 48 and Matt. 7: 6, 12-14
King Hezekiah made a choice that many would have said was unwise. He ignores the reasoning the reasoning of King Sennacherib of Assyria - he chooses to follow the Lord and trust in Him, rather than simply caving in to the threats of an evil king and empire, even though many other nations had done it already. In so many ways, Hezekiah choose the narrow gate that Jesus speaks of in our gospel.
This narrow gate is often not popular. For the crowds don't choose it, they choose whatever is popular at that time, listening and bowing to the views of a society, views that so often can be in opposition to what Jesus teaches us.
Following Jesus instead of following the crowds can come at a price. We can be mocked, scorned or ignored. But we make the right choice. We choose the narrow gate. We choose Him.
P.S. Dear reader: this is my final reflection as tomorrow I move onto St. Ambrose. These reflections originated during the time of Covid, and were an opportunity to reach out to you and many others when we could not gather in person to worship.
I continued to do these reflections, mind you, not as often as during the shutdown. I deeply appreciate the time you have taken to consider and ponder what I have shared. And it has been a privilege for me to do so, as it has also benefitted me for my continued spiritual development.
A special thank you goes to Evan Hennessy, the creator and administrator of our parish website. Evan has shared a fabulous website for us and we are the beneficiaries of his efforts. Bless you, Evan!
Finally, bless you, dear reader. May you continue to cherish the precious gift of the Word of God shared with us in our daily masses. Peace be with you!!!
Fr. Michael Machacek.
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