Narrow Door

Today’s Gospel Text:  He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23 And some one said to him, "Lord, will those who are saved be few?" And he said to them, 24 "Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the householder has risen up and shut the door, you will begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, open to us.' He will answer you, 'I do not know where you come from.' 26 Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' 27 But he will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you come from; depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!' 28 There you will weep and gnash your teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves thrust out. 29 And men will come from east and west, and from north and south, and sit at table in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last." Luke 13:22-30

Reflection: Why did Jesus not directly answer the most important question, which not all may ask and yet could trouble many?

"Lord, will those who are saved be few?" (vs. 23b)

In not answering the question directly Jesus is leaving space open for the many to be saved.

He is also revealing to us those categories likely to be saved and those who are not going to be saved is not already ordained or pre-destined by God as some would hold.

This also means that each one on this earth have an opportunity to be saved if only they choose to enter by the narrow door.  

Jesus is that door through which men must enter in order to be saved; this door, Jesus Christ, which is that narrow door that leads to eternal life.  (cfr. Jn. 10: 9)

Therefore, according to the parable, those who are not saved will be the ones who will be on the outside of the door, because they never tried to enter in but yet did plenty of good works in his name.

Apart from him the work, the labor, that is put in is that of iniquity and so they are termed by Jesus as “workers of iniquity”.

Finding themselves outside they will now knock and knock, and question the door keeper on why in spite of their good work, done in his name, they should not enter through the door of life.

Too Late! Once the door is closed through death or deliberate separation by choice then there is no hope.

No wonder there is a great need felt by the many in the Church, even in our days, to carry the saving message of the gospel to all men, so that people of good will may believe in it and work earnestly in him to carry on with his mandate that saves.

                                                                              

Prayer:  Lord, I too want to be your instrument, willing to enter by the narrow door which is you.

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