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 21^st Sunday, Year C: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Narrow Door: The Sole Entrance that Leads to Salvation

Readings: Is. 66:18b-21; Heb. 12:5-7,11-13; Lk. 13:22-30

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the question posed by the young man in today’s gospel reading to Jesus is of significant importance. He sought to understand whether the number of people who will enter heaven on the final day is few or many. For the Jews of his era, it was believed that only those from the twelve tribes of Israel – the descendants of Abraham – would be saved. Similarly, some Christians hold the view that only members of their churches or solely Christians will be saved on that day. So, today, the Church aims to clarify this notion.

The answer to the question regarding the number of people who will be saved was provided in today's first reading, where Isaiah answered a similar question. The Psalm for today also affirmed it.

In the first reading, while discussing the return of the Israelites from exile after forty-seven years in 540 BC, Isaiah foretold that God is gathering individuals from all nations, races, languages, and religions to witness His glory in Jerusalem; that God is bringing people from all corners of the earth to His home. Thus, the invitation to enter heaven has been extended to all, and everyone possesses an equal chance to enter this dwelling and partake in the glory of God.

The response of Jesus to the question posed by the young man in today's gospel illustrates what should truly concern every Christian regarding eternal life. Rather than informing the young man of the number of people who will be saved, Jesus encouraged him to reflect on whether he himself would be among those that will be saved.

Actually, Jesus affirms that God wants all persons to experience eternal life; however, he emphasizes the necessity of our unwavering fidelity and vigilance throughout our lives. Jesus reminds us that although God wants all of us to be saved, we must actively strive for this salvation. Admission into God's kingdom is not automatically bestowed upon anyone based solely on their religious affiliation, nationality, or connections; therefore, we cannot take God's mercy for granted and remain passive in our response to His invitation. Instead, our daily, concrete choices and actions should reflect the response we have made to God's call.

Some people have responded affirmatively to God's invitation; however, their lifestyle often contradicts the commitment they have made. To such individuals, Jesus warns that on the final day, they will be found at the door pleading, 'Open the door for us,’ but He will respond that He does not know them. Therefore, dear friends, the Church encourages us to reflect personally on whether our current way of living will secure our admission into God's glory and whether our individual lives align with the 'Yes' we responded to God's invitation to partake in His glory.

In today's gospel, Jesus refers to the narrow door as the sole passage to eternal glory. But what exactly is this narrow door? It represents self-discipline, the way of the cross; it is the life pattern of rejecting sin, even when those around me choose to embrace it; it is the choice to serve Christ, even when those around me opt to worship the devil; it is the commitment to stand with Christ in all life’s circumstances, even if it involves suffering due to this choice and even if it means standing alone; it is the resolve to lead a holy life, even if other people around me have chosen sinful paths and may ridicule me for not joining them.

Dear friends, the narrow door brings sorrow and demands patience and strength from us. This is the message conveyed in the second reading of today. The author of the letter to the Hebrews wants us to see every experience of the narrow door as a form of correction that a loving father gives to his son. We understand that every act of correction or discipline from a loving father is ultimately for the benefit of the child who receives it. To the child undergoing correction or disciplinary action, the father's behaviour may appear as hatred or malice; however, the father is aware of the advantages his actions will yield for the child's future. Dear friends, if we interpret our experience of the narrow door as a type of correction from God, we will willingly embrace any discomfort it may cause us, fully aware that glory awaits at the end of such an experience.

Let us conclude this reflection by reading the experience of Jesus as presented in the early verses of this second reading. It said, “Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from the beginning to the end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right-hand side of God’s throne. Think of what he went through - how he put up with so much hatred from sinners! So, do not let yourself become discouraged and give up. For in your struggle against sin, you don’t have to give up until the point of shedding your blood.” (Heb. 12:2-4)

Peace be with you

Rev. Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima