The Narrow Door ~ Meditation on the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

The Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

Is 66:18-21

Ps 117:1, 2

Heb 12:5-y, 11-13

Lk 13:22-30

In today's Gospel reading  from Luke, Jesus is asked if only a few people will be saved.  He doesn't answer directly but implies that we should strive to enter through the narrow door.

Why a narrow door?  What's the significance of this narrow door?  Why is it so difficult to enter and where does it lead?
 
The narrow door is Jesus, and it is through our belief in Jesus as Redeemer and Son of the Father, that we are able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  If we are burdened down by selfishness, hatred, jealousy and pride, we do not have the strength to go through the narrow door.  We have to leave our burden of sin behind and live our lives focused on the Lord.

The prophet Isaiah foretells that God will gather people from all over the world, of every language and nation; and they will see God's glory and will proclaim Him to others.  These people will recognize God's glory and will believe.  Thus, not only a few will be saved, but all who believe and who have left their burden of sin will go through the narrow door.

I am the way, the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father, except through me.

And what of those who have not heard of the Lord?  We rely on and trust in God's mercy and compassion.


Image source: St. Mary's Catholic Parish Newsletter, Maryborough

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