Romans 8:26-30, Ps. 13:4-6, Luke 13:22-30
“Someone said to him, ‘Lord, will those who are saved be few?’ And he said to them, ‘Strive to enter by the narrow door.’” (Luke 13:23-24)
In today’s Gospel passage we hear Jesus talk about the narrow door. What is the narrow door and why does it have to be narrow? By the narrow door, Jesus is referring to the path of the cross, the path of difficulty, the path of self-sacrifice for the sake of achieving heaven.
In an era of prosperity Gospel, many of us Christians falsely believe that by virtue of their faith, everything should become easy and rosy but Jesus never promised us that. In very clear terms, Jesus says “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:14)
We have reached an era of the Christian faith where our churches are filled to capacity but our hearts are empty of the truth and our lives are far from being Christ-like. Jesus tells us that many would come on the last day saying: “We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.” But God will say to them “I tell you, I do not know where you come from; depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!” (Luke 13:26-27).
It is not your level of Church attendance that will count in the end but your way of life; your good deeds. Is it becoming too difficult and almost impossible for you to exercise your Christian faith without some personal sacrifices on your part? Do not give up. Are you weak and discouraged? Call on the Holy Spirit for help.
St. Paul teaches us in today’s first reading the function of the Holy Spirit is to help us in our weakness even when we cannot find the right words to pray. The Apostles were very weak before Pentecost day, they were scared for their lives. When the Holy Spirit came, they became different! When the going gets too tough, ask the Holy Spirit for help and He will never disappoint you!
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, make our lives pleasing to you as we struggle through the narrow door. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of week 30 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Romans 8:26-30, Ps. 13:4-6, Luke 13:22-30)