Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time - The Narrow Gate - Luke 13:22-30

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Narrow Gate

"Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.  Someone asked him, "Lord, will only a few people be saved?"  He answered them, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.  After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, 'Lord, open the door for us.'  He will say to you in reply, 'I do not know where you are from.'  And you will say, 'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'  Then he will say to you, 'I do not know where you are from.  Depart from me, all you evildoers!" (Luke 13:22-27)

"Perhaps the most horrifying scenario imaginable is to stand outside knocking on a locked door only to hear the Lord responsed, "I do not know where you are from. "  Through the mouth of the prophet Isaiah, the Lord assures us:  "I come to gather nations of every language."  But some resist that invitation.  In order to join God's gathering, we must "enter through the narrow gate" - that is, we must say yes to the relationship that Christ wants to have with us."  (Magnificat, Vol. 15, No. 6, August 2013, page 344)

Another reminder that our earthly pilgrimage will be difficult, yet the reward, if we persevere to the end, worth the trial.  Dear Lord please shower us with Your grace so that we might pursue entrance through the narrow gate and that You will hear and answer our knock.

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Credits
The Narrow Gate to Heaven and the Wide Gate to Hell - Cornelis de Bie