Meditation Minutes

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” In today’s Gospel (Luke 13:22-30) we hear the parable about the narrow gate. Jesus’ disciples ask him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” In his message, Jesus tells his disciples that just because you attend church does not guarantee entrance into the kingdom of Heaven. Everyone is called to participate in the formation of the kingdom of Heaven. God wants all men to enter the gate. He gives each of us special graces which make us unique. We are called to use these graces in a way to build the kingdom. Knowing God and listening to his message is not enough. Jesus said, “Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from; depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!’” God does not judge us on our ability to hear but our ability to do. Not everyone who hears the Gospel but those who do the will of the Father will make it into heaven. This is the good news. People claim all I have to say is that I have been saved or I know Jesus and they are given a ticket to get through the narrow gate. It is all about participation. The Jewish people were under the impression that their salvation was guaranteed. Do we not hear that same message today, “I’m a member of such-and-such church, and therefore, I am saved.” It doesn’t work like that. Today’s Gospel tells us that everyone can make it to heaven, even those who do know God by name, but who do his will. Saying you know God or you attend church does not get you a free pass.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, you have given me many graces,

Give me the knowledge and wisdom to use these graces to serve you.

Help me to be faithful in my pursuit of the kingdom of Heaven.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon