22 Jesus went through towns and villages, teaching the people and making his way towards Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, “Sir, will just a few people be saved?” Jesus answered them, 24 “Do your best to go in through the narrow door; because many people will surely try to go in but will not be able. 25 The master of the house will get up and close the door; then when you stand outside and begin to knock on the door and say, ‘Open the door for us, sir!’ he will answer you, ‘I don’t know where you come from!’ 26 Then you will answer, ‘We ate and drank with you; you taught in our town!’ 27 But he will say again, ‘I don’t know where you come from. Get away from me, all you wicked people!’ 28 How you will cry and grind your teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, while you are thrown out! 29 People will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down at the feast in the Kingdom of God. 30 Then those who are now last will be first, and those who are now first will be last.”
Other readings: Is 66:18-21; Ps 117; Heb 12:5-7, 11-13
LECTIO
Life as a Christian demands a lot of the believer. Today Jesus talks about who will and who won’t be allowed into the Kingdom of God. He warns his listeners both then and now to do more than just listen to his teaching.
Sadly, if you are not actively allowing Jesus to have an impact on your everyday life you are not really living as a Christian at all. Christian living involves more than just attending church – it’s all to do with your personal relationship with God through Jesus.
For some people, listening to Jesus’s teaching became an intellectual exercise. They treated Jesus as just another rabbi, asking theoretical questions like the one in verse 23, and taking it for granted that they would be saved. Jesus warns them they are in serious danger of losing their chance to enter the Kingdom of God. He compares it to a house with a very small entrance. People are struggling to get in but the owner has closed the door and is only allowing certain people to enter.
Jesus is making his meaning very clear. There has to be a personal entering in to faith in God by believing in Jesus and then a practical application of faith to every part of your life.
Jesus is reminding us there can be no sitting on a fence in matters of faith. If you belong to him, his teaching will affect your life. You may make mistakes, but you will be endeavouring to live your life in obedience to him. Anyone who does not repent and choose this option is risking everything, as the day may come when the “house owner” does not recognise you and allow you to enter in.
MEDITATIO
The narrow door refers to a time when an individual repents and makes a personal commitment of faith in God through Jesus. It is not something someone else can do for you as it requires a personal choice. Can you remember the time when you made the choice to follow Jesus?
For some people it can be a gradual process taking years. For others, there was a special day when they took the decision. If you are not sure, why not talk about it with your priest or minister?
ORATIO
“Keep on working with fear and trembling to complete your salvation, because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose” (Philippians 2:12-13).
In these verses the Apostle Paul exhorts the Philippian believers not to be complacent but to continue their life of faith. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you willing and able to obey God’s purposes for your life.
CONTEMPLATIO
The reading from Philippians reminds us that God is at work in each one of us. Consider the ways God is working in your life right now. He may show you some ways that surprise you.
Areas of Catholic Herald business are still recovering post-pandemic.
However, we are reaching out to the Catholic community and readership, that has been so loyal to the Catholic Herald. Please join us on our 135 year mission by supporting us.
We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching.
We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values. Please consider donating.