​As they say, “it is hard to be humble when you are so great.” One of the biggest challenges we face in modern culture is a lack of humility. We are impressed by things like brawn, beauty, bling and bucks. This weekend’s readings speak to us about the importance of humility. 

​Today’s readings really mesh well together. In the first reading invites us to accept God’s training towards inclusivity and acceptance of “others” especially the socially excluded in our midst. The second reading uses an analogy of a parent disciplining a child as a means of allowing the child to grow. Finally, the Gospel talks about the narrow gate into the kingdom and the urgency to get through it now.

​Today’s Scripture lessons introduce to us living in the midst of adversity. In our First reading, Ethiopian eunuch Ebed-melech risked his life to plead for Jeremiah’s life to be spared from the cistern where the princes of Jerusalem intended for him to die. Our Second reading from the letter to the Hebrews reminds us that God wants us to run the race  with endurance and finish it right. Finally, Jesus’ stresses the cost of discipleship warning us that new life with him may mean risking division and even separation from our families.