Fr Peter Ireorji, MSP - Homily from Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018

In answer to a question of whether only a few will be saved, Jesus responded not with a direct answer, but by placing the onus of entry into the kingdom on each individual’s shoulders. “Strive,” he said, “to enter by the narrow gate” Lk 13:24. Strive is the keyword since apparently, many are going to try to enter and fail because the gate is so narrow. The possibility of failure is very real. Who will fail? Probably, people who don’t take him seriously; people who don’t try hard enough; people who love something more than they love Jesus. In other word, lots of people will fail. He goes on to say that many who think they are doing enough are going to be surprised to find they didn’t do enough. They think their Christian credentials are solid, but they will be found wanting. Yet others who did not seem so good in life will be entering the Kingdom before them. Which group will YOU be? Jesus is warning us that just because we feel we are doing enough for him doesn’t mean we are going to be in the group to be saved. We need to follow him with as much sincerity and honesty as we are capable of, doing his will and not our own. This means that the we are challenged to do what has to be done and not presume or take for granted that salvation is assured and especially if one is not willing to receive it. God’s grace is abundant but can only be received by those who want to receive it. Shalom!