2025-08-25 - Salvation: A Blessed Assurance Through Cooperation Author: Fr. Kizito Mgbemere
My dear brothers and sisters, today we reflect on the profound truth that while creation was by a singular decision of God, salvation is by cooperation with God. St. Augustine aptly captures this reality when he says, "The God who created us without our permission cannot save us without our cooperation." (Romans 8:28-30)
All the readings today speak of God's desire for the salvation of all humanity. In the first reading, we're reminded that God will gather all His children together, and they will see His glory. (Isaiah 66:18, 23) This is a beautiful promise, but it's not a guarantee without our active participation.
The second reading sheds light on how God achieves our salvation. We're told that God trains us through suffering, punishment, and reproach. (Hebrews 12:5-7) This might seem counterintuitive, but it's a testament to God's love. He's refining us, purifying us, and shaping us into the image of His Son.
In the Gospel passage, Jesus warns of the danger of not persisting to enter through the narrow gate (Luke 13:22-30) They'll try to enter through the narrow gate but won't succeed.
Sadly, while God is busy working out our salvation, we're often busier scattering what He's doing.
We do this when we allow ourselves to be deceived by others, just like Adam and Eve. (Genesis 3:1-7) While God was busy maintaining their dignified status, they were busy listening to the devil. That singular act brought about their downfall.
A lot of us have been deceived into believing that suffering is not a part of God's plan for our salvation. Today's second reading makes it clear that God uses suffering, punishment, and reproach to train us for salvation. Christ also, in the Gospel passage, maintains the necessity of persistence in struggling to enter through the narrow gate. The act of struggling to enter through the narrow gate suggests persistence in suffering.
We also work against our salvation when we live selfish lives, prioritizing personal gain over the common good. Jesus, in calling God "Our Father" when He taught us how to pray, emphasizes community and shared responsibility. (Matthew 6:9) Yet, many of us prefer individual interests over collective well-being. Such an attitude has led many souls astray.
When we silence our conscience, we further scatter God's efforts to save us. Our conscience alerts us to right and wrong, guiding us in times of dilemma. (Romans 2:14-15) Unfortunately, many have intentionally stifled this inner voice, seeking peace of mind at the cost of moral compromise.
Prayer is essential in our salvific mission. When we don't pray, we risk entering into temptation. Scripture admonishes us to pray and watch, lest we fall into temptation. (Matthew 26:41) Prayer isn't just about getting what we want; it's about aligning ourselves with God's will and avoiding the pitfalls that lead us astray.
Dear brothers and sisters, God has revealed to us through today's readings to accept the sufferings that come our way as we strive to live as His sons. Let's not be deceived. Suffering, reproach, and punishment are part of God's training for His children. (Hebrews 12:5-7) He's our loving Father, and He cannot think evil of us. (Matthew 7:9-11) As earthly fathers know how to give good gifts to their children, our heavenly Father will surely do more. Let's ask God for the grace to cooperate with Him for our salvation. May we work together with God, embracing His plan, and find our way to eternal life. Amen.
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