21^st Sunday in Ordinary Time-C

I Reading: Isaiah 66:18-21: They will bring all your brothers from all the nations.

II Reading: Hebrews 12:5-7.11-13: The Lord trains the one that he loves.

Gospel: Luke 13:22-30: Men from east and west will come to take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Salvation cannot be taken for granted. It is given by God to those who respond in faith.

The Saved Discussed

Who are the saved? Will many be saved? Shall I be saved or shall I be lost? Jesus answers these questions in this passage. Faith teaches us that this earthly life will come to an end, and that death will introduce us into a new life that lasts forever with God. God wants everyone saved. In the gospel; the man did not look or seek for personal salvation but he asked and discussed with Jesus about the salvation of a few people or many. The Jews were thinking by birth as a Jew and circumcision they are going to be saved but Jesus said to enter through the narrow gate or door which means by self-denial and faith in Jesus Christ as the Messiah and the Saviour of the world. If we wish to enter into heaven we must leave all evil actions and pride; instead we need a total obedience to God’s will and humility. Self-denial is very important to enter into the narrow gate. Jesus said, if you would follow me; take up your cross and follow me. If anyone saves his life will lose it and anyone who loses his life for my sake will save it (Lk 11:9-10; 9:23-24).

The narrow gate or door is specific, very specific, only way and straight and not crooked way to enter to be saved. Jesus Christ is the only way, the truth and the life (Jn 14:6). So we need to seek, search and look for God to be saved not by baptism (by Christians) or circumcision (by Jews) or fellowships (by other churches) but by our committed life, self-denial and faith in Christ. We need every effort to struggle and work hard to enter into the narrow gate (Jesus).

To be “saved” means “to be with God in our present and future life” to see Him, to share His life and joy and peace. To be “lost” means not to be admitted into God’s presence and to be deprived of God’s life, joy and peace for ever. When we speak of “heaven” and “hell”, we are not speaking about places but of “states” (ways) of being: “heaven” means “to be with God”, while “hell” means to be deprived of Him. God wants and longs that everyone may be saved in heaven with Him and forever. It is up to each one of us to decide or choose whether to be saved or to be lost. We need to try to enter by the narrow door with humility and obedience to God’s teachings and commands. We cannot enter into heaven with pride, Selfishness, self-righteousness, disobedience to God’s will and teachings, jealousy, envy, hatred and all evil actions.

Jesus answers to challenge us so that we will make sure we are saved.

1. Jesus journeyed toward Jerusalem (v.22-23)

a. Taught in the cities and villages

b. Along the way someone questioned Jesus about salvation

2. The saved make every effort to enter the narrow door (v.24)

3. The saved act soon enough: A man move too late (v.25)

4. The saved are not the citizens of so-called Christian nations nor members of certain fellowships (v.26)

5. The saved shall be separated from the lost, and the lost shall see them enter God’s kingdom (v.27-28)

6. The saved will come from all nations and classes of society (v.29-30)

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