Luke 13:22
Jesus said, "strive to enter through the narrow gate."
Readings for Sunday: Isaiah, Hebrews, Luke
Reflection:
What made Michael Jordan the greatest basketball player of all time? He didn’t stumble into greatness. Rather, he worked relentlessly for it. Jordan was known as the first one on the court for practice and the last one to leave. Growing up, he lived basketball. His life was marked by discipline: he became a true disciple of the game.
The word “discipline” is not heard often today, but it is central to the Christian life. Discipline is not only self-control; it also comes from the loving correction of parents and from God Himself. Scripture reminds us: “My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord… for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines” (Heb 12:5–6). At the time discipline feels painful, but later it bears the “peaceful fruit of righteousness.”
Jesus warns us not to presume salvation: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate” (Lk 13:24). In His day, many presumed they would be saved simply because they were God’s chosen people. Likewise, we as Catholics may presume: I was baptized, and I haven’t killed anyone, so I must be fine. But salvation cannot be earned. It is a gift won by Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection. Yet it requires our participation: to become disciples shaped by discipline.
Just as MJ trained tirelessly to play basketball, we must be trained to live as children of God. Trials and sufferings are part of that training. When embraced with faith, they free us from what doesn’t matter (worldly approval, possessions, comfort) and teach us what does: our relationship with Christ. We can even unite our suffering with His, offering it up for the good of others.
The question remains: are we recognizable as disciples of Jesus? Do we pray, study Scripture, practice mercy, forgive our enemies? May we strive with discipline for holiness, so that Jesus becomes our everything, and a victory greater than any crown.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways am I actively practicing discipline in my spiritual life, beyond the basics of Sunday Mass and daily prayer?
- How do I usually respond to trials and sufferings—do I embrace them as opportunities for growth and offering them to God, or do I resist and complain?
- If others looked at my life, would they recognize me as a disciple of Jesus in the same way people recognized Michael Jordan as a disciple of basketball?