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• The reading from the final chapter of Isaiah refers to a time when the people of Israel believed that they could remain faithful to the covenant by separating from peoples who were not chosen.
• In today's passage the point is made that all humankind will worship in Jerusalem.
• Some Gentiles would even serve as priests and Levites, which was unheard of in the religious belief of the time.

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• By designating Christians as children of God, the author of today's Letter to the Hebrews makes an important point.
• Like the divine Son, disciples share in the glory of God through the cross.
• In this passage, human suffering is interpreted as evidence that God is disciplining the children he loves to bring them to maturity.

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• The Gospel reading from Luke is a collection of sayings warning disciples to be faithful and prepared.
• The image of a narrow door indicates the difficulties involved in following Jesus.
• In the Gospel of Luke, table fellowship is a primary sign of discipleship. To eat with Jesus is to share his life; to share his life is to share his cross.