𝗡𝗢 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗖𝗨𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗡 | 24 August 2025 HOMILY with Fr. Jerry Orbos | 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Summary

The script reflects on the profound message of faith, urging the audience to consider their journey to heaven. Through a reflection on the gospel and a heartfelt call for humility, the speaker stresses that the ultimate preparation for eternal life lies in living a good and meaningful life. The sermon encourages people to die to selfishness, pride, and greed, while living for God by loving others and serving with humility. It emphasizes that mere fellowship is not enough; true discipleship is necessary to follow God's will, treat others kindly, and strive to be a beacon of goodness and service.

Takeaways

• 😀 Life is temporary, but living with purpose and striving for heaven is the ultimate goal.
• 😀 The gospel teaches that how we live our lives, not just death, determines our final destination.
• 😀 To prepare for heaven, we must live a good, meaningful, and humble life, focused on serving others.
• 😀 The importance of humility and selflessness is emphasized, reminding us to let go of greed and pride.
• 😀 Fellowship with others is not enough; it must lead to true discipleship and a life of service to God and others.
• 😀 We must make conscious decisions to avoid evil and embrace doing good, regardless of the challenges.
• 😀 It’s important to teach the younger generation the values of kindness, respect, and service to others.
• 😀 Self-sacrifice and living for God requires rejecting selfishness, greed, and pride, and embracing humility and service.
• 😀 Being 'blessed' means acknowledging that we are not self-made, but guided by something greater than us.
• 😀 True heroes are often the unseen individuals who quietly serve others, and the message is to live a life of service and selflessness.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the gospel passage mentioned in the script?

The main theme revolves around the idea of reaching heaven and the importance of how one lives their life. It emphasizes that while death is inevitable, it is one's actions and the way they live their life that determine whether they will enter the kingdom of heaven.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last'?

This phrase highlights the reversal of worldly expectations in the kingdom of God. It suggests that those who might be overlooked or humble in this life will be honored in the next, while those who are high in status or prideful may not find favor with God.

How does the speaker suggest people prepare for heaven?

The speaker suggests that the best preparation for heaven is to live a good and meaningful life. This includes living with humility, doing good, avoiding evil, and being a servant to others, rather than focusing on material wealth or selfish desires.

What does the speaker say about death and the guarantee of going to heaven?

The speaker emphasizes that death itself is not the guarantee of going to heaven. Instead, it is how one lives their life, particularly how they treat others and live with faith and humility, that determines their eternal destination.

What are the two key things the speaker advises to 'die to' in order to follow God?

The speaker advises to die to selfishness and pride. Selfishness refers to greed and living within comfort zones, while pride involves putting one's own will above God's and not submitting to His plan.

What does the speaker mean by 'fellowship' and 'discipleship' in the context of the gospel?

In this context, 'fellowship' refers to the communal aspect of faith and prayer, while 'discipleship' goes deeper, emphasizing how one lives out their faith through serving others and following God's will in daily life.

Why does the speaker highlight humility and God's will?

The speaker underscores humility as the key to aligning one's will with God's. Humility means recognizing that God's will, way, and timing are more important than personal desires, and that true obedience to God requires submission to His greater plan.

What is the role of public service in the sermon?

Public service is presented as a form of serving God by serving others. The speaker urges those in public service to practice generosity and integrity, especially in helping the poor, rather than using their positions for personal gain.

What is the significance of the 'Knock-knock' joke and the song 'When the Saints Go Marching In'?

The 'Knock-knock' joke and the song serve to lighten the mood and symbolize the hope and joy of being called into heaven. They are used to remind the listeners that, like the saints, the goal is to enter the kingdom of God after living a life of goodness and service.

How does the speaker view the idea of being blessed versus being rich?

The speaker distinguishes between being rich and being blessed. While wealth may come from personal effort, being blessed acknowledges that there is a greater force, such as God, at work in one's life. The speaker emphasizes that true blessings come from recognizing God's role in one's success and generosity.