It is 31st October 2018. The readings are from Ephesians 6:1-9; and the Gospel from Luke 13:22-30. Everything works for good to all those who believe in Jesus and behave accordingly to His message. Belief in Jesus needs to be seen in the day today relationship with one another. We cannot claim to be expert in relating with Jesus excellently while we have no time and resources for the people around. The reverence for Jesus must lead to the respect for the others. Honouring is for life time while obeying is the time bound. Anyone who has the difficulty in obeying will surely have the challenges to honour the parents. In the first reading, St. Paul wants to obey our parents as long as we remain as their children without reducing the reverence for God. Some of the demands made by our parents are very challenging and put us in spots. Some of their words will never ever leave our lives. Their words and guidance would follow us even after their death. Wisdom of our parents is the discipline for the life of a child. Some children take the wisdom seriously and travel smoothly in their life. Adhering their wisdom is the narrow path to venture in our lives to succeed. Those who ignore the wisdom and guidance of the parents do encounter challenges in their life. We are taught in many places including today’s passage that our happiness and long life comes through a disciplined life that honours and respects the wisdom of our elders and especially parents. The parental guidance needs to be gentle yet firm but not irritating and provoking leading the children to the moments of anger and hurt. Patience, understanding, and love are the keys for the modern parenting. Every parent is expected to pass on the love of God and neighbour to all children. St. Paul also wants us to have respect that is due for those who serve us. We are all equals before God no matter how much power, money, and influence we have in the society. Let nothing make us to ill-treat or ignore the needs of those who work for us. Neither our words or actions abuse our servants in anyway. We need to share the power of integrity with responsibility. We need to provide them the power to behave in the best of their ability even if the employer is absent. The responsorial Psalm praises, “The Lord is faithful in all His words.” (Ps.144:13). The Gospel teaches us that salvation is not free for all. We need to concert the efforts to acquire it. Jesus invites everyone to participate in this perfectly human life that leads us to enjoy the eternal happiness in Heaven. Everyone can believe Jesus but not wish to be His disciple for life. Procrastination to do good is the enemy of our salvation. The doors of Heaven will be opened for those who have opened their hearts for those who suffer in this life and share with them all that God has entrusted to us. Mere belief is not enough to enter Heaven. All those who claim a close affiliation with Jesus may not even reach Heaven. But all those who relate and respect the poor and finding Jesus in them surely reach the abode of God. There is going to be a shocker for those who just admire the miracles and appreciate the teaching of Jesus without paying much attention to their actions. How committed have we become in being a true disciple for Christ that matters for our redemption? “Indeed, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” (Lk.13:30). May you have a good day. God bless you.