+ Perhaps a very valid and burning question is: considering the state of the world, considering the state of the Church, considering what justice demands: LORD, WILL ONLY A FEW BE SAVED? This is
most definitely a “loaded question” and a serious one! More appropriately the
question might read: LORD, WILL I BE
AMONG THE ONES WHO ARE SAVED ON THAT LAST DAY?
Jesus,
in the gospel passage, wisely does not answer the question
directly. He does not say: YES, or NO! Because, he actually doesn’t really
know! Since, we each cooperate in our own salvation – the final tally is still
very much up in the air. It is up to us in the final analysis to either seek
“the real way, the real truth and the real life” or not!
Strive
to enter through the narrow gate: Jesus advises in the gospel
passage - which is only for the spiritually disciplined and strong – this includes those who have
“endured trials because of their faith.” Being
in the right place at the right time at the end of our lives will not guarantee
us entrance into the kingdom (just shouting Lord, Lord, here I am! will not be enough); but being a humble person, who tried to live the best he could,
a life of prayer / action / joy for
others will lead straight to the fore-gate of God’s throne!
Therefore, being “strong
enough” as Jesus would have it, means being
willing to accept our utter weakness and total dependence on God for everything
we need to live our lives. And then,
to live outstanding lives in the service of God! When we acknowledge
ourselves as weak, it is then that we are truly strong to do his will!
The
second reading today tells us the discipline that is needed to form
us in our spiritual weakness. Weak does not mean incapacitated! Weak simply
means it can only be God’s wisdom and
will and ways that can make us truly strong enough to battle our way through
this world’s wiles (and there are so many of them out there beyond the walls of
this place). He alone can strengthen our drooping hands and weak
knees, guiding us along straight paths, where our disjointed feet may be healed
– so that we may honor God and give him glory by the lives of holiness and
helpfulness that we lead!
All
nations are invited to salvation – not “just a few” – as our
first reading tells us; but these same nations must present themselves before
the Lord with docility, humility and
openheartedness and willingness to be formed and disciplined by a loving Father
– just as we must. We are all called to holiness - and when
we demonstrate that we are beginning to truly be holy people, then God will be
glorified as is his due, and we will be that much closer to attaining our place
with him as a community of love, justice and peace residing deep inside his amazing heart!
God bless you!
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