＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Romans 8: 26-30

 Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness;

for  we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes for us, without words, as if with groans. And he who sees inner secrets, knows the desires of the Spirit, for he askds for the holy ones, what is pleasing to God.

We know that in everything, God works for the good of those who love him, whom he has called. According to his plan. Those whom he knew beforehand, he has also predestined, do be like his Son, similar to him, so,  that, he may be the Firstborn among many brothers and sister.

And so, those whom God predestines, he called; and those whom he called, he makes righteous; and to those whom he makes righteous, he will give his glory.

 

Ps  13  My hope, O Lord, is in your mercy. 

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

Luke 13: 22-30

Jesus went through towns and villages teaching and making his way to Jerusalem.  Some­­one asked him, “Lord, is it true that few people will be saved?”

And Jesus answered, “Do your best to enter by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.   When once the master of the house has gone inside and locked the door, you will stand outside. Then you will knock at the door calling: ‘Lord, open to us.’ But he will say to you: ‘I do not know where you come from.’

Then you will say: We ate and drank with you and you taught in our streets!  But he will reply: ‘I don’t know where you come from. Away from me all you workers of evil.’

You will weep and grind your teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves left outside.   Others will sit at table in the kingdom of God, people coming from east and west, from north and south.   

Some who are among the last will be the first, and some who are among the first, will be last!”

 

Reflection gospel：

“DO YOUR BEST TO ENTER BY THE NARROW DOOR.”

I have encountered many Christian groups in the course of my life as a college student. They were very attractive groups because they showed care for students from the province like me who had no family or friends nearby. Their warmth makes one feel at home right away and their cordial personalities give that feeling that you have been friends for a long time.

These, of course, I noticed soon, were just introductory moves. The real motive is conversion, especially when the newcomer happens to be a Roman Catholic. Indoctrination slowly becomes part of the gathering. And before long, they will lead you to pray for forgiveness and to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Then hugs come rushing, some accompanied with tears, to congratulate you for having been saved.

There is a beautiful portion in this gospel text that provides a great caution for all Christians. Not everyone who accepts and recognizes Jesus as Lord is assured of salvation. It is only for those who pass the test of the narrow door.

It is true that believing in Jesus is a fundamental requisite. But the process does not stop there. Throughout one’s life should be an avoidance of evil and of doing wicked things, and embracing the cost of discipleship, always persevering, always generous, and always loving.