In the second reading for this Sunday’s Mass, the word discipline is used five times in those few verses. (Take a moment to read it.) If you look up “discipline” in the dictionary, you find several definitions that are all variations on a theme: training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement; controlled behavior resulting from disciplinary training, self-control; punishment intended to correct or train.
In the Greek language of the New Testament, “discipline” comes from the root word for “learning.” It is the same root as our word “disciple” A disciple learns from someone, sits at the feet of the Master. If we think of a great artist like Rembrandt or Picasso, their disciples would be those who want to paint like them. If we know someone is a disciple of a great pianist, that person is trying to play the piano like the famous pianist. To be a disciple of Jesus means that we want to be like him.
. It is not easy. An athlete needs disciplined training. The music student must discipline himself to practice regularly. The one who wants to be a Christian must practice self discipline in order to become more like Jesus. Maybe that’s what Jesus is talking about in the gospel when he speaks of entering through the narrow gate. “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” How do you get strong enough? Through discipline.
In his letters, St. Paul uses the example of an athlete several times. For example, in 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 he says: “Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. Thus I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.”
What are some of the disciplines we need for our training as disciples of Jesus?
Reading the Word of God
Participating in Mass and receiving Holy Communion
Making a good confession more than once or twice a year
Praying every day
Disciplining ourselves to think of the needs of others rather than just our own needs
Avoiding the things that will harm us (athletes do that too)
Just as an athlete takes care of his/her body, a disciple of Jesus has to discipline body and soul. For some people, discipline is a distasteful word. If we are going to be disciples of Jesus, we need the discipline to live as he has called us. That takes a commitment to lifelong training as a Christian.
In the new group of cardinals that Pope Francis will create next week, there is one that is unprecedented. Although the country of this cardinal is 97% Catholic, it has never had a cardinal before. Read about it below:
This piece was performed in Japan on April 17, 2014. You don’t have to understand the Japanese subtitles to appreciate the beauty and sparkle of this great piece.
Did you know that Vivaldi was nicknamed the red priest? He actually was a Catholic priest and he had beautiful red hair.
Love and Suffering
This short article explores the relationship between suffering and love. Fr. Richard Rohr explains the connection and possible outcomes of the ways we handle suffering.
Do you have a family member who is considering the Catholic faith?
Were you baptized but never received Christian formation or the other sacraments?
Are you an adult who was never confirmed?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions or if you just have a lot of questions about being Catholic, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is for you. A new group is forming now. They will meet every Tuesday beginning in September and continuing until Easter 2023.
If you would like to know more about it, contact Jayce McClellan at
This a cappella virtual choir piece features the performances of 329 singers and 7 American Sign Language interpreters from over 50 countries, recorded individually and assembled by David Wesley into what you see and hear!
The Knights of Columbus are holding a Shoe Drive for La Posada on the weekend of August 27-28. We are requesting new and gently used men's shoes, preferably work boots and athletic shoes.
Bring your shoes to the church on that weekend or drop them off at the parish office during the week.
We are pleased to announce that the next Blood Drive hosted by the Knight of Columbus will be held on Sunday, August 28th from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm in the Parish Hall.
It is safe to give blood and it is an act of charity which gives someone the gift of life.
Our parish Mental Health Ministry is hosting a presentation on suicide prevention on Saturday, September 17 at 10:00 am. The presenter will be Judy Bruggeman, Executive Director of Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOSL).
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We appreciate your support!
Catholic Trivia
"Catholic Trivia”... not because they are trivial but because these might be things that not everyone knows. Test your knowledge by reading the five questions, remember your answers (or jot them down), then click the link below to find the answers.
What does the word “catholic” mean (in its etymology)?
What is a “Doctor of the Church”?
How many Doctors of the Church are there?
There are four female Doctors of the Church. Who are they?
Besides being a canonized saint, what other qualities are necessary to be named a Doctor of the Church?
If you have other members of your family or your friends who would like to be on our email list, just let me know or write to Mary McLain at mmclain@stpatrickcarlsbad.com We will be pleased to add them.
Nations of every language shall come to see my glory.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 117:1-2
Praise the Lord, all you nations.
Second Reading
Hebrews 12:5-7,11-13
Whom the Lord loves, he disciplines.
Gospel Reading
Luke 13:22-30
People will come from north and south, east and west, and take their place in the Kingdom of God.
Background on the Gospel Reading
Today's Gospel reading is the third of three parables in chapter 13 that deal with the theme of the unexpected reversals brought by the Kingdom of God. The other two parables are about the tiny mustard seed that grows into a large tree and the small amount of yeast that makes a large batch of dough rise. All three are about the few and the many and the Kingdom of God.
As this parable opens, Luke reminds us that Jesus is making his way to Jerusalem. This journey, this exodus as Luke refers to it, makes up the entire middle of the Gospel. He is teaching as he goes. A question from the crowd gives Jesus the chance to make a prophetic statement. Luke uses this question device a number of times in his Gospel. A few weeks ago, the question “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” led to the parable of the Good Samaritan. The question about will only a few be saved uses typical Christian language about salvation but also expresses the Jewish concern about whether everyone who calls himself a Jew is actually faithful to the covenant. This was a concern of the Pharisees.
Jesus answers that they must strive in the time remaining to enter through the narrow door because many will be trying to get in but won't be strong enough. He then moves to a parable about another door. (The translation says “gate” then “door,” but the same Greek word is used.) Once all those entering the master's house are in and he locks the door, there will be no way for others to get in. Those left outside may knock, but the master will say he doesn't know them. Unlike the Gospel reading from a few weeks ago where Jesus was teaching about prayer, and we were told to knock and the door would be opened, in this parable, the master will not open and say he does not know us. People from the north, south, east, and west will take our place inside. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets will take our place in the Kingdom of God. Those who do not make it through the narrow door will be cast out to where there is wailing and grinding of teeth.
The image of the door is replaced in the final verses of the parable with the image of the heavenly banquet. Two passages from the Book of Isaiah influence the conclusion. Isaiah 43:5-6 speaks of God bringing Israel's descendants back from the east and from the west, the north and the south. And Isaiah 25:6 speaks of the Lord providing a feast of rich foods and choice wines for all peoples on his holy mountain. The answer to the question if only a few will be saved is no. In the end, many will be saved, but many who thought they would be saved will not be saved. The parable is a prophetic warning to repentance in order to enter the kingdom.
Religious Education for Children and Family Ministry
We offer faith formation for students in Preschool through Jr. High school, including preparation for the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and First Holy Communion. Our class times are Sunday morning and Monday and Wednesday afternoons.
En aquel tiempo, Jesús iba enseñando por ciudades y pueblos, mientras se encaminaba a Jerusalén. Alguien le preguntó: "Señor, ¿es verdad que son pocos los que se salvan?" Esta es la gran pregunta de muchos, “¿quién será salvado al final de los tiempos?” Diferentes religiones han desarrollado diferentes ideas o teologías respondiendo a esta pregunta. En el evangelio de esta semana, la “gente que seguía” a Jesús le hace esta pregunta, ¿es verdad que son pocos los que se salvan? Ellos confiaban en su salvación porque sabían quién era Jesús, se arrimaban para escuchar sus enseñanzas, bebían y comían con él. Pero Jesús responde usando una parábola, les habla de “entrar por la puerta angosta, muchos tratarán y no podrán”. “Que cuando venga el dueño de la casa, cerrará la puerta y ustedes quedaran afuera”. Y me imagino la desesperación de la gente que se queda afuera, confundida, gritando de afuera, “¡Anduvimos contigo, ábrenos!” Luego Jesús les dice, que vendrán muchos del oriente y del poniente, del norte y del sur, y ellos participarán en el banquete del Señor. ¿Qué nos está diciendo Jesús en este texto? Que no es suficiente saber quién es Jesús. Que no es suficiente ir a los lugares en que se leen las historias de Jesús y hacer las oraciones. Lo que es lo más importante, es conocer quién es Jesús. Dejarlo ser encarnado nuestro ser para que nuestras acciones y actitudes reflejen el amor y la compasión de Jesús. ¿Quién es salvado? No nos toca a nosotros decidirlo. Sólo nos toca compartir la ternura de Jesús a todos, porque es de esta manera que otros conocerán a Jesús, ¡el Señor de Señores!
Por favor escuchen a los enlaces proveídos, espero que les ayude en su reflexión.
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