The readings are as follows:
1st Reading: (Isaiah 66:18-21)
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 117: 1.2 (R. Mark 16:15)
2nd Reading: (Hebrews 12:5-7.11-13)
Gospel Reading: (Luke 13:22-30)
Reflection
I don't know how many of you have noticed that any time you interrogate Jesus, thinking that you are already doing enough to inherit the kingdom, he opens more angles you didn't take note of, and the challenge becomes more.
Let's dwell on the gospel.
Number of those to be saved.
Hmmm! Did you hear Jesus' answer?
He didn't mention a number, but he said; strive,struggle, push to enter through the narrow gate.
What it means to me is that we continue to press forward to capture him who first of all, captured us, without looking back, to enter the kingdom of God.
Notwithstanding our struggles, recognizing that once we purse, we may be overtaken, there is no stopping.
Again, to the question of number to be saved that remained not clearly answered, when the master of the house rises and lucks the door, may we not be found outside the house of our salvation. Amen
Evang Jeremiah Onwukaobi
"Lord will those who are saved be few?"
A Question of personal salvation:
Many of us today judge our progress based on the lives of others, forgetting that our destinies may be different.
The person who asked Jesus the above question was more interested in the number of those being saved; not whether he/she would be saved, and that brings us to the question of personal salvation.
Indeed, salvation is personal, and we may be judged based on our various circumstances not based on general condition. We must take our salvation seriously, and often ask the most appropriate question, which someone else once asked Jesus: "What must I do to be saved."
In our Gospel Reading, Jesus offers us a deep spiritual counsel: "Strive to enter through the narrow gate..."
The narrow gate represents the sacrifices, persecution and the inconveniences associated with living a devout Christian witnessing. It's easier to live a vicious, carefree life, which is considered going through the broad way.
Many are interested in eternal life, but are not able to pass through the narrow gate due to their unguarded and inordinate lifestyle.
We would only be able to pass the narrow gate if we cultivate the virtues of humility, modesty, purity and obedience. Proud and disobedient people would find the narrow way absurd and impossible.
May God inbue us with the required virtues in order to attain eternal life. Amen
Nlemadim Stella Adaku
Reflection
No one has a right to be welcomed into God's house; God's welcome is a gift. It is only by living the kind of life that pleases God that we can merit this gift. This is why Jesus speaks personally to each of us to strive to enter by the narrow door. This means that those will be saved who are steadfast and committed to the Lord in all situations of life. Today people want the easy path or short cut to success. However, Jesus calls us to follow the difficult path of true commitment to the Lord which leads to salvation. To be first in the sight of God we must shun all works of iniquity and be disciplined in obeying God's commandments, which brings us closer to Him. The heavenly race is personal and as such each individual should strive to be ready at all times. To 'strive' means that we endure hardship; we don't lose courage when God chastises us nor grumble when He disciplines us. Granted, we may feel discouraged as we try to live for Jesus in this world. But we need never lose our confidence in God. The narrow door offers us life and bliss at the end but the wider door leads to perdition. The choice is ours to make.
MartinsMary Uker
Reflection
"Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able." (Luke 13:24)
Beloved in Christ, today’s liturgy invites us into a sober and hopeful reflection about our journey to eternal life. The Prophet Isaiah reminds us that God gathers people from every nation (Isaiah 66:18-21). Salvation is not reserved for a chosen few by human standards, but is the generous gift of God who desires all to be saved. Yet, this gift demands a response of faith, humility, and perseverance.
The Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 117) echoes this universal call: “Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News.” The Church is missionary by nature. To be Catholic is to live beyond the borders of self, culture, and comfort, proclaiming Christ by word and witness.
The Letter to the Hebrews (Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13) speaks of the discipline of God, comparing it to the loving correction of a father. “The Lord disciplines the one He loves.” Discipline is not punishment, but purification—a training ground where our weaknesses are strengthened, our crooked paths are straightened, and our faith matures.
In the Gospel (Luke 13:22-30), Jesus tells us plainly: the path to eternal life is narrow. The “narrow door” is Christ Himself (cf. John 10:9), and to enter requires more than casual Christianity. It requires conversion of heart, sacramental life, charity to the poor, fidelity to truth, and daily commitment to holiness. St. Augustine reminds us, “God created us without us, but He will not save us without us.” We must cooperate with grace.
Let us remember: being near Jesus is not the same as belonging to Him. The people in the Gospel claimed, “We ate and drank in your presence.” But the Lord responded, “I do not know you.” (Luke 13:26-27). Faith is not mere familiarity; it is authentic relationship and obedience.
St. Catherine of Siena once said, “If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world on fire.” Let us choose the narrow way of daily love, humility, and sacrifice. Though the journey may be hard, the destination is eternal joy. For in Christ, the last shall be first, and all who endure in faith shall rejoice in the banquet of heaven.
Beloved, strive daily, pray fervently, walk humbly, and love deeply. The narrow door may be demanding, but it opens into the fullness of life everlasting.
Igbinazaka Angela
Every time I read the portion of the Bible where Jesus talks about how few people will enter the kingdom of God I get really scared because looking at my life I worry for my salvation.
But in other times I take it as a wake up call to put in more effort in working towards my salvation just as the reading tells me today to drop all baggages that may deter me from entering into the kingdom of heaven. Baggage like the vices of sin and embrace the fruits of the Spirit which ordinarily is a struggle for me but with God it is possible.
My position in church does not make me an automatic candidate especially when I do face service which are in contrary to the gospel.
I pray for the grace to possess discipline so that it can yield me peaceful fruits of righteousness and most importantly strengthen my weak spiritual life by making my paths straight to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Reflection
This reading describes a vision of God's glory and redemption extending to all nations.
God says, "I am coming to gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see my glory" (Isaiah 66:18). This refers to a future time when God's glory will be universally recognized.
God will set a sign among the nations and send survivors to distant lands, including Tarshish, Pul, Lud, Tubal, and Javan, to declare His glory among the nations (Isaiah 66:19). These survivors will be messengers of God's glory to the world.
The passage also mentions the gathering of God's people from among the nations, who will be brought as an offering to the Lord in Jerusalem (Isaiah 66:20).
Some of these gathered people will even serve as priests and Levites in the new order, highlighting a future time of spiritual renewal and restoration (Isaiah 66:21).
This passage emphasizes God's plan for universal redemption and the extension of His glory to all nations.
People from all nations and languages will come to see God's glory.
Those sent by God will declare His glory among the nations. A future time of spiritual renewal and restoration is envisioned, where God's people will serve Him in unity and harmony.
