“Lord, will only a few be saved?”

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
 Luke 13:22-30
 August 24, 2025
“Lord, will only a few be saved?”

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today’s readings call us to reflect on God’s invitation to salvation; an invitation extended to all peoples but one that also requires a committed response on our part. In the Gospel, Jesus invites us to enter through the narrow door, reminding us that the path to the Kingdom of God is not easy but possible through faith and effort. Let us open our hearts to this Word, which calls us to live our faith with authenticity.

The prophet Isaiah speaks of a God who gathers all nations and tongues to behold His glory. This passage reminds us that salvation is not exclusive but universal; God desires that all peoples come to know and praise Him. Isaiah also mentions that some will be sent as messengers to proclaim His glory to those who have yet to know Him. This calls us to be witnesses to God’s love in our own lives.

Today’s Psalm is a hymn of praise to God, who deserves to be glorified by all nations. It reminds us that God’s goodness and faithfulness are eternal, inviting us to unite in gratitude and praise.

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is teaching as He makes His way to Jerusalem. Someone asks Him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” Rather than providing a direct answer with a number, Jesus offers an important exhortation: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate.” The “narrow gate” represents the path of discipleship, which demands commitment, sacrifice, and a life centered on the values of God’s Kingdom. It is not enough to know Jesus superficially or to rely solely on external religious practices. Jesus makes it clear that many will attempt to enter but will not succeed because they did not live according to His teachings.

Jesus also warns of a reversal of roles in the Kingdom: “some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” This reminds us that salvation is not based on privilege or appearances but on a genuine relationship with God and a life that reflects His love and justice.
Finally, Jesus describes how people from all corners of the world will recline at the table in the Kingdom of God, fulfilling Isaiah’s universal vision. This challenges us not to grow complacent, thinking our salvation is guaranteed, but to strive daily to live our faith with authenticity and love.
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on our response to God’s call. Are we striving to walk through the narrow door? Salvation is a gift from God, but it requires a committed response and a life that reflects our faith. It is not about privilege or appearances but about a humble and obedient heart that seeks to please God in all things.

Am I making a genuine effort to live my faith with authenticity and commitment? What attitudes or actions do I need to change to enter through the narrow door that Jesus speaks of? How am I responding to the call to be a witness of God’s love in my surroundings? Am I building a deep relationship with Jesus, or am I settling for mere external practices?

Brothers and sisters, let us not fear the narrow door, for even though the path is challenging, Jesus accompanies and strengthens us. Let us strive each day to live an authentic and committed faith, seeking to please God in our words, actions, and thoughts. May our lives be a living testimony of His love so that, in the end, we may share the banquet of the Kingdom with all who have faithfully responded to His call.

Amen.