＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Romans 8:26-30

We are weak,

But the Spirit comes to help us. How to ask? And what shall we ask for? We do not know, but the spirit intercedes for us without words, as if with groans. And He who sees inner secrets knows the desires of the Spirit, for he asks 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 to be like his Son, similar to him, so that he may be the Firstborn among many brothers and sisters. '

And so, those whom God predestined he called, and those whom he called he makes righteous, and to those whom he makes righteous he will give his Glory.

 

Ps 13:4-5, 6

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 got up 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 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 others who were first will be last!”

 Gospel Reflection：

“strive”is the key word in today’s gospel. it is not a simple entry through an easy door but requires maximum effort to do so. It can be compared to an athlete who does all kinds of strenuous preparations to win the contest.

Thus those who would be saved depends upon how many would strive to squeeze and wiggle, making enormous efforts to enter through the narrow door. Many might prefer the wide and easy door that do not require much effort.

They might define it as wise use of energy. Many others might wish to enter through the narrow gate. But their resolve might not be strong. Their persistence might waver. It’s like the followers of Jesus during the early years of His public ministry.

Many who followed Him left Him because His teachings were too difficult for them to comprehend. His teaching on the Holy Eucharist (John 6:66)made many of them leave.

Later in the early church, many who were members of the church left the church because of persecution from the Jews and Romans, and because of the compulsion to give up the faith of their non-Christian family members.

Yet in all these, the persistent will be vindicated. The hardships that they endured in entering the narrow gate will be amply rewarded.