THEME: SALVATION: WHAT WE MUST KNOW
R1: Isaiah 36:18-21
R2: Hebrews 12:5-7. 11-13
Gospel: Luke 13:22-30
Few years ago as a seminarian, I attended the funeral of a man who was crushed to death by a trailer. It was said that the man died out of carelessness because he was drunk and did not look well before attempting to cross the express way.
At some point towards the end of the funeral, an opportunity was given to a family member to present the eulogy of the deceased. The man who came out for the eulogy said: “I am very sure that this brother of mine is in hell fire.” Everyone wondered what the young man was trying to say. He continued, “This brother is so addicted to drugs and alcohol, now he has died by accident. No need praying for him, he is in hell fire.”
Many of us were embarrassed at the rash judgement meted out by the speaker, who was too quick to conclude the fate of his late brother. This most times depict our individual attitudes when we are too quick to judge and condemn others because they do not belong to our church, or they eat some food we don’t eat or they are not sharing same faith with us or they are not from our place, while we see ourselves as the only qualified candidates of heaven.
But today’s readings clarify some points about the kingdom of God and who will be saved.
WHO CAN BE SAVED?
Salvation is a universal call: Many times, some members of a particular Church, faith, religion and origin have considered themselves better or the only candidates of heaven. Most times, this mentality makes them isolate themselves from relating with others. Today, Isaiah in the first reading clarifies the intention of God, that salvation is not limited to certain people. It is open to all those who are willing to embrace it. Hence let us do away with discrimination based on class, religion or race.
HOW WE CAN BE SAVED
It is very interesting that in the gospel, Jesus is asked how many that will be saved. Instead of answering, Jesus tells us how we shall be saved. “Try your best to enter by the narrow door, for many will try to enter but will not succeed” (Lk 13: 24). This is a wonderful clue on how to make heaven. The door to heaven is small. This means that for us to be able to pass through this door, one must bring oneself low and be humble, so as to pass through the door.
A high-handed person cannot enter the small gate of heaven. That is why many of those who wanted to enter, were left outside because they were "bigger" than the door. What is surprising is that many of those who were left outside were among those who ate and drank with Christ and even taught in the streets. It means that these people are members of the Church, or those who knew Jesus very well.
However, denying the people entrance into the because they did not make themselves small enough to be able to pass through the door.
Jesus is calling on every Christian to remove from their bodies those things that are capable of making them big and can prevent them from entrance into the kingdom. These things include; selfishness, anger, jealousy, evil thoughts, attachment to material things, adultery, fornication, theft, insincerity, cheating, etc. Rather, become as small as child, for to such belong the kingdom of God (Mt 19:14). If we miss this opportunity of self reduction, others; the great multitude, will come and occupy the kingdom while we shall be left out.
*WHAT WE MUST DO TO BE SAVED*
When Jesus is demanding that we enter through the narrow gate by becoming small enough, this is not as simple as it appears and that is why the second reading tells us that we need training. God using different means to train those He loves, just as a man trains his child. This answers the question, why Christians or lovers of God pass through many challenging times. This training He gives is to make us small enough to be able to pass through the small gate of His Kingdom. Hence, let us be patient enough to undergo this training time, being confident of what waits us in the future.
Reflection by:
Rev Fr. Chukwuemeka VINCENT Livinus, SMMM.
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