Let us strive for Heaven always.
In our Gospel there were those who were caught off guard. They were found locked outside of the gate while in their heart they assumed that they should have the right to be let in. Instead of keeping up with their surroundings they allowed themselves to be carried away and thus they did not return in time to be let into the gate.
Let us strive for Heaven always. Let us not be kept off guard like them. May we realize that Heaven brings a great joy into our life in which nothing else can ever fill.
St. Basil states: “For the soul wavers to and fro, at one time choosing virtue when it considers eternity, at another preferring pleasures when it looks to the present.”
We cannot allow ourself to remain caught up in this present moment as if it is all that we are allotted. We are instead called to strive for Heaven always and thus everything in this present moment leads us towards eternity. Thus what we do now, in this present moment, cannot be disconnected from our desire for Heaven. Surely, we do not want to state: “We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets” only to hear back “I tell you, I do not know where you are from; depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!”
Stating “all you workers of iniquity” is to say “all you workers of immorality.” These are those who have been caught up in this present moment and have preferred vice over virtue. This is those who have allowed themselves to become so entrenched in their sin that they have cut themselves off from sanctifying grace. This is those who toil about lost without their sight directed towards God. If we are “workers of immorality” then we have entered into a sad state.
Our first reading was written to console those who were depressed over the sad state of Jerusalem. Isaiah instructed them concerning the future of Jerusalem and all of the glory that would come with it. From this state of sadness will spring forth a state of joy. Therefore, may we realize that from our sadness will spring forth joy. This joy springs forth from Heaven for it is the only thing which can fill our desires and longings. It is the only way to which we can orient ourself and not realize the emptiness which is present as we toil about.
Let us be willing to undergo this transformation in which Jerusalem would undergo. Let us be willing to take up the hardships which are pressed upon us. Our second reading from Hebrews reminds us of the need to undergo hardship for through the embracing of these trials we are directed towards our eternal prize which is our Father who is in Heaven. At the moment of trial and hardship it is easy to run, but instead we must embrace these moments in a true spirit of repentance in order that we may be purified.
