Fr. Mike's Gospel Reflection for - Sunday, August 16, 2026

In the first reading the Lord speaks to us through the prophet Isaiah, “Observe what is right, do what is just.” That is good advice for anyone of any age, but it is a particularly helpful reminder for those who are beginning their new school year whether here at St. Edward, in high school, or in college. Students should always be ready to “observe what is right.” This generally means making good choices each day about how they will manage all of the distractions that prevent them from truly engaging with their parents, teachers, friends in a positive and loving manner.

Even in Isaiah’s day, people faced many distractions which kept them from obeying the Lord’s commandments.Through the prophet, the Lord called out to all of those who had strayed from His path. He invited all people, not just the Israelites. He did not distinguish between Jews and non-Jews.Instead, He opened His heart to anyone who would obey His commandments. About those people, He says, “Them I will bring to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer.”

When people ask me if all will be saved, I look to scripture and find many passages in both the Old and New Testaments that are similar to this passage from Isaiah. Jesus Himself repeatedly warns His followers not to be distracted by pleasures and attractions of this world. He reminds them (and us) that we must make “good choices” here if we intend to be with Him in the eternal kingdom.

When Jesus encounters the Canaanite women who is pleading with Him to save her daughter, He is impressed by both her humility and her faith. She is not offended when He reminds her that she is not among the “chosen people.” Instead of being insulted and reacting angrily, the Canaanite woman shows a depth and purity of faith that causes Jesus to not only cure her daughter, but to praise her.

Whether we or our children or grandchildren are heading off to school, or whether we are enjoying our retirement, the importance of humility, perseverance, and being attentive to the Lord’s instructions cannot be overstated. Scripture tells us precisely what it takes to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. We must put distractions aside and make good choices each day.

Fr. Mike