Introduction: As he continues his fateful journey to Jerusalem, Jesus answers the question as to how many will be saved by answering four presumed questions: Who will be saved? How? Why? When? 

Scripture lessons:  In the first reading, addressing the returning Babylonian exiles, the prophet Isaiah corrects them, telling them that salvation is not a Jewish monopoly, and that is why Yahweh also welcomed the pagans into Judaism. The prophet ends his great book as it began with a vision of all the peoples of the world streaming toward Jerusalem, acknowledging and praising the God of Israel.   In the second reading, exploring with his readers the consequences of Christian commitment, St. Paul explains “the narrow gate” of Jesus as pain and suffering resulting from God’s loving discipline of His children. The responsorial psalm, "Go out to all the world and tell the Good News,” reflects the mission of God’s chosen people to be instruments of salvation to the whole world. In today’s gospel, Jesus clearly explains that any one who follows him through the narrow gate of sacrificial serving and sharing love will be saved.   Jesus also admonishes his followers to concentrate on their own salvation rather than worry about other peoples' salvation.

 Life messages: 1) We need to make wise decisions and choose the narrow gate.  Always choosing God’s way asks of us a consistent denial of self and the steady relinquishing of sinful pleasures, pursuits, and interests.  The "narrow road" or "narrow gate" concerns our everyday living—our relationships with God and with each other. It involves our doing of good deeds for the right reasons. It involves our pursuing the kingdom and God’s justice instead of fame and fortune. It involves our repentance, obedience, humility, righteousness, truth and discipleship.  Hence we are to strive to enter through the “narrow gate” by prayer and supplication, diligently seeking deliverance from those things which would bar our passage, and acquiring those things which would facilitate our entry into Heaven.

2) We need to check our track on a daily basis.  The parable of the locked door warns us that the time is short.  Each day sees endings and opportunities missed. “Opportunity will not knock twice at your door.”  Let us ask the following questions every night:   "How conscious was I this day of God's numerous gifts?  How well did I respond to the opportunities to bear witness and serve in Jesus' name: to forgive, feed, clothe, and love those who entered my life?  How much did I strive today to enter through the narrow gate of sacrificial love in action?'"  We might conclude this self-examination with a short prayer: “Grant me Jesus forgiveness for my sins.  Give me your Holy Spirit to direct me and to strengthen me.” 

Scriptural Homilies No. 349 by Fr. Tony (akadavil@mobis.com)

 

List of all Reflections:

Posted	Title
10/31/2012	November 4, 2012 - Thirty First Sunday in Ordinary Time
10/24/2012	October 28, 2012-Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
10/17/2012	October 21, 2012-Twenty Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
02/29/2012	Second Sunday of Lent
01/31/2012
01/18/2012	Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
08/24/2010	August 29th
08/17/2010	August 22, 2010
08/12/2010	Assumption of Mary
05/25/2009	Pentecost The Birthday of the Church
05/29/2008	Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
10/16/2006	29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
10/13/2006	28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
06/28/2006	Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
01/23/2006	January 29th, 2006
01/16/2006	January 22nd, 2006
01/09/2006	January 15th, 2006
01/02/2006	Epiphany
12/28/2005	New Years Day
11/21/2005	First Sunday of Advent
11/14/2005	Solemnity of Christ the King
11/09/2005	November 13, 2005
09/27/2005	October 2, 2005
09/19/2005	September 25, 2005
09/13/2005	September 18, 2005
09/05/2005	September 11, 2005
08/31/2005	September 4, 2005
07/11/2005	July 17, 2005
07/07/2005	July 10, 2005
07/06/2005	July 3, 2005
06/21/2005	June 26, 2005
06/14/2005	June 19th, 2005
05/23/2005	Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
05/16/2005	Holy Trinity Sunday
05/09/2005	Pentecost
05/05/2005	May 8, 2005
04/26/2005	May 1st, 2005
04/18/2005	Fifth Sunday of Easter
04/11/2005	Fourth Sunday of Easter
04/06/2005	THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
04/06/2005	Divine Mercy Sunday
04/05/2005	Holy Thursday Homily
03/27/2005	EASTER
03/25/2005	The Passion of John
03/14/2005	PALM SUNDAY
03/07/2005	FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
02/28/2005	Fourth Sunday of Lent
02/23/2005	Third Sunday of Lent
02/14/2005	Second Sunday of Lent
02/10/2005	First Sunday of Lent
02/07/2005	Ash Wednesday
01/31/2005	Feb. 6, 2005
01/24/2005	January 30th, 2005
01/17/2005	January 23, 2005
01/10/2005	January 16, 2005
01/05/2005	January 9th, 2005
01/02/2005	January 2, 2005
12/28/2004	Mary, Mother of God - Jan. 1st
12/26/2004	Feast of the Holy Family
12/22/2004	Christmas
12/13/2004	Fourth Sunday of Advent Readings: Isaiah 7:10-14. Psalm 24: 1-6. Romans 1:1-7. Matthew 1:18-24.
12/06/2004	Third Sunday of Advent Readings: Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10. Psalm 146:6-10. James 5:7-10. Matthew 11:2-11.
12/01/2004	Second Sunday of Advent Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10. Psalm 72, 1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17. Romans 15:4-9. Matthew 3: 1-12
11/29/2004	First Sunday of Advent Readings: Isaiah 2:1-5. Psalm 122:1-9. Romans 13:11-14. Matthew 24:37-44.
11/22/2004	The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King 2 Samuel 5:1-3, Psalm 122:1-5, Colossians 1:12-20, Luke 23:35-43