Readings: Romans 8:26-30, Ps. 13:4-6, Luke 13:22-30
“Someone said to him, ‘Lord, will those who are saved be few?’ And he said to them, ‘Strive to enter by the narrow door.’” (Luke 13:23-24)
In today’s Gospel passage, we hear Jesus talk about the narrow door. What is the narrow door, and why does it have to be narrow? By the narrow door, Jesus is referring to the path of the cross, the path of difficulty, the path of self-sacrifice for the sake of achieving heaven.
In an era of prosperity Gospel, many Christians falsely believe that by virtue of their faith, everything should become easy and rosy, but Jesus never promised us that. In unambiguous terms, Jesus says, “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:14)
We have reached an era of the Christian faith in which our churches are filled, but our hearts are empty of the truth, and our lives are far from Christ-like. Jesus tells us that many would come on the last day, saying: “We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.” But God will say to them, “I tell you, I do not know where you come from; depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!” (Luke 13:26-27).
While selecting the twelve apostles, Luke reports that Jesus spent a whole night praying. “And when it was day, he called his disciples, and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles… And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem.” (Luke 6:13-17).
Amongst Jesus’ followers were the twelve apostles, a great crowd of disciples and a great multitude of people (who were neither disciples nor apostles). Many Christians today belong to the great multitudes who saw Jesus as an entertainer, a miracle worker, and a bread-giver. These multitudes flocked around Jesus but were never committed to listening, let alone repenting of their sinfulness. Jesus addressed them as a “wicked generation.” They are the seeds that fell along the road.
Let us examine our conscience today. Where do I stand in my relationship with God? Am I merely one of the multitudes? On the Last Day, will I be received into paradise or kicked out? Am I living righteously, or am I sinking deeper into iniquity daily? Am I willing to follow the narrow gate, or do I prioritise comfort, pleasure and power over my salvation? If we sincerely examine our conscience, we cannot help but call on the Holy Spirit while we still have the opportunity. Do not wait like the rich man who waited till he was in hell before begging Abraham to send Lazarus to give him a drop of water.
St. Paul teaches us in today’s first reading that the function of the Holy Spirit is to help us in our weakness, even when we cannot find the right words to pray. The Apostles were very weak before Pentecost day; they were scared for their lives. When the Holy Spirit came, they became different! When the going gets too harsh, ask the Holy Spirit for help, and He will never disappoint you!
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, increase our faith, hope and charity, and make us love what you command, so that we may merit what you promise. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of week 30 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Romans 8:26-30, Ps. 13:4-6, Luke 13:22-30)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu