"We are a community of disciples inspired by the Holy Spirit to be living witnesses for transformation in Christ to bring about a world of justice, human development and true peace."

Word Sharing Circle (WSC) Reflection Guide
August 24, 2025 (Cycle C, Year I) – 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Community Word: Living a life for God leads us to store up heavenly treasures.
Theme: We store up heavenly treasure when we accept our trials as the Lord’s loving discipline.
Promise: “…all discipline…brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.” (Heb 12:11)

Reflection
“The Lord is steadfast in His kindness toward us, His fidelity endures forever,” (Ps 117:2). Our God is a faithful Father who desires nothing less than our salvation. He has prepared a place in His eternal kingdom for each of us, but entry into this heavenly inheritance requires that we live a life pleasing to Him. Jesus reminds us in the Gospel that the way to salvation is not wide and comfortable, but narrow and demanding (cf. Lk 13:24). It is a way marked by discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance in faith.

Many desire the blessings of heaven, yet are not willing to accept the trials that come with discipleship. A life centered only on comfort, ease, and self-gratification weakens faith and dulls the heart to God’s call. Jesus cautions us that “many will attempt [to enter] but will not be strong enough” (Lk 13:24). Strength is found not in human effort alone but in surrender to God’s discipline, which molds us into true disciples.
Our earthly life is a pilgrimage toward the eternal kingdom. Along the way, we encounter trials, temptations, and hardships that often discourage us. Yet Scripture assures us that discipline is not punishment, but rather God’s loving formation. “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves” (Heb 12:6). Every challenge, suffering, or trial permitted in our lives becomes an opportunity for growth in faith, humility, and holiness. Through them, we are trained to persevere, and our character is purified to reflect Christ.

Jesus Himself shows us the perfect model of obedience and self-denial. He embraced suffering, carried the cross, and endured humiliation so that we might be saved. He calls us to follow in His footsteps: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mt 16:24). To be His disciples, we must willingly embrace trials as opportunities to be united with Him. While the path of discipleship is demanding, it is also deeply rewarding. It shapes us into witnesses who not only profess faith with words but also embody it in action, service, and perseverance.

True disciples of Christ are known by their disciplined lives and their joyful witness, even in times of struggle. They embody righteousness and inspire others by their steadfastness. Their strength is not their own but flows from the grace of God, who never abandons His children. They bear fruit in their personal holiness, in their love for others, and in their faithful service to the Church and community.
The readings remind us that the road to eternal life is long and difficult, but it is not without assurance. God promises: “…all discipline…brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it,” (Heb 12:11). What awaits those who persevere is far greater than the weight of their trial – the everlasting peace of being gathered into God’s glory. This is the true treasure of heaven, stored up for those who endure and remain faithful to the end.

As disciples, let us embrace trials not as burdens to be resented but as graces that shape our hearts for heaven. For in every cross borne with faith, there is hidden treasure: the peaceful fruit of righteousness promised to those who persevere.

Prayer
Lord God, thank You for Your steadfast love and faithfulness that endure forever. I thank You for calling me to share in the glory of Your kingdom. Teach me to see trials not as punishments but as Your loving discipline. Grant me the grace to remain steadfast in faith, to persevere in righteousness, and to walk the narrow way of Christ with hope and joy. May my life reflect Your holiness and inspire others to follow You. Bring me one day into the fullness of Your glory, where I may rejoice in You forever. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Reflection Question
1. Do I understand God’s discipline in the trials I face today?
2. In what areas of my life do I still resist the narrow way of discipleship?

This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
August 24, 2025 (Sun) – Is 66:18-21/Ps 117:1, 2/Heb 12:5-7.11-13/Lk 13:22-30
August 25, 2025 (Mon) – 1 Thes 1:1-5, 8-10/Ps 149:1-6, 9/Mt 23:13-22
August 26, 2025 (Tue) – 1 Thes 2:1-8/Ps 139:1-6/Mt 23:23-26
August 27, 2025 (Wed) – 1 Thes 2:9-13/Ps 139:7-12/Mt 23:27-32
August 28, 2025 (Thu) – 1 Thes 3:7-13/Ps 90:3-5, 12-14, 17/Mt 24:42-51
August 29, 2025 (Fri) – Jer 1:17-19/ Ps 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15, 17/ Mk 6:17-29
August 30, 2025 (Sat) – 1 Thes 4:9-11/Ps 98:1, 7-9/Mt 25:14-30

“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”

Weekly: Theme, Promise, Order, Direction and Prophesies (bldworld.org)