21st Sunday in Ordinary Time©

INTRO: I do “fly” at least couple of times a year nowadays, but, the older I get …. Flying causes me to be bit more “jumpy”!

When you get on the plane, buckle in, and before taking off, the crew always go through the safety protocol. One of the things they say is,
“Should there be a sudden loss of cabin pressure,
Oxygen masks will drop down
From the above compartment.”

The next instruction is VERY INTERESTING,
“Put your own mask on first
Before assisting those who are next to you!”

It seems counter-intuitive for many of us. It seems that we should be concerned about helping others FIRST and ourselves LAST, especially if those next to us are in greater need; for instance:
Children
Elderly
Disabled women or men.

However, the point they are making is that
If we cannot BREATHE,
We cannot help someone else breathe!!!

You just heard God’s word… someone asks JESUS CHRIST;
“Will only a few people be saved?”

Jesus answers:
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate.
For many I tell you will attempt to enter,
But will not be strong enough!”

When it comes down to being a good Christian and Catholic, we FIRST HAVE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for ourselves!!!

We have to make sure that we are following the path of goodness and life that JESUS has taught us, because people will only meet JESUS through us… if we have our MASKS ON FIRST!

And I can honestly say as I look out at you..…you have your masks on!
You are praying daily
You are HERE
You assist with IHM’s needs
You are in the community, the Akron FOOD BANK, HOT MEALS… and so many other things!

CONCLUSION:

Today, keep focusing on BREATHING DEEPLY OF HIS DIVINE LIFE, so that tomorrow you can help lead another to breathe as well!