Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Romans 8:26-30; Psalm 13:4-5, 6; Luke 13:22-30
Summary
The Narrow Door; Salvation and Rejection
“Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough (Lk 13:24).
Strive means two things at the same time: (1) to endeavor (earnest effort); and (2) to content or quarrel.
The three impediments (obstructions)
- I went to Church — And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’ Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where [you] are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’ (Lk 13:26-27).
Isaiah Quotes — The Lord said: Since this people draws near with words only and honors me with their lips alone, though their hearts are far from me, And fear of me has become mere precept of human teaching (Isa 29:13).
- I said Lord, Lord — “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven (Mt 7:21).
Jesus said — “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I command? (Lk 6:46).
- I am successful — It is easier for a camel to pass through [the] eye of [a] needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God (Mk 10:25).
Reflection
Jesus is saying — Try! Just try! You think you can do this with out help? No, we all need help, every day.
In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will. Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.” (Rom 8:26-27, Mk 10:27).
Personal Reflection
There is the old joke.
A man prayed, “Lord, let me win the lottery!”
He didn’t.
Again…
The man prayed harder, “Lord, let me win the lottery!”
He didn’t.
Again…
The man prayed most earnestly, “Lord, let me win the lottery!”
He didn’t.
Then the Lord responded, “Can you at least buy a lottery ticket?“
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102925.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry