Lk 13:22-30
Strive to enter through the narrow gate….many will not be strong enough
Jesus was asked as he was teaching if only a few would be saved. His response is just as sobering today as it was in the time in which he lived and perhaps more so. He tells us to strive and enter by the narrow gate but warns that some will not have the strength. We know from the Apostle that all things are possible through Christ who strengthens us (Phil 4:13) so what does it mean that some will not have the strength? The lack of strength is synonymous with a lack of faith in Christ. By following Christ and receiving God’s grace, we will have the strength to enter the narrow gate. Those who chose not to follow Him will not have the strength to enter the narrow gate.
Furthermore, Jesus lets us know that time is not on our side. He uses the metaphor of the master of the house arising and locking the door. This metaphor refers to the resurrection of the dead and the final judgment. Once we pass from this life, we await the final judgment, and those found standing outside the door will knock in vain. The Gospel says there will be wailing and grinding of teeth from those on the outside. Souls who are locked out find themselves in hell where there is no possibility of redemption.
Jesus concludes his answer by saying that people will come from the North, South, East, and West. He says that those who are last will be first and the first will be last. While the Jews didn’t know it quite yet, the Gospel message of salvation offered by Christ was for all people and not just for the Jewish people. The gentiles and those from every corner of the earth would partake in the salvation offered to all.
Do we have the strength to enter the narrow gate today? In what ways do we stand for the truth of the Gospel and Christ’s Church? How do we defend against the modern heresies of modernism and relativism? It takes courage to stand for truth in a world so mired in Satan’s lies. Don’t be fooled by what the evil one would convince you is mercy and compassion. His lies will lull us into a false sense of security. Instead rely on scripture, tradition, and the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. St. Paul tells us in his letter to the Hebrews not to be carried away by strange teachings. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews Chapter 13). Pray that you may not be left knocking.
