Wednesday 3oth Week Ordinary Time Gospel and Reflection

Mass readings for today are here.
The gospel says ...
"Someone asked him,
“Lord, will only a few people be saved?”
He answered them,
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough."

 There are two types of gates in the walls surrounding the Holy City of Jerusalem; the wider gate is where all can enter and the ‘people-only’ narrow gate (kheta)  where only a single person can squeeze in. 

It was a primitive security measure, to prevent the mass influx of an enemy that might possibly lay siege to Jerusalem.

You cannot bring your baggage with you through the narrow gate ..

That baggage ... what could it be ? 

There is some help from C.S. Lewis who wrote: 

"Lord of the narrow gate and the needle's eye,
Take from me all my trumpery lest I die."

Yes,  all the worries, self pride, performance anxiety just won't work.

"After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.’
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.’

And you will say,
‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’
Then he will say to you,
‘I do not know where you are from.

Depart from me, all you evildoers!’
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth."

The gospel says

"And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.

For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last.”

So we have it backwards.  

Try another way- let God do something for us!!

Just like Zacchaeus did.....

See this Sunday's Gospel and Reflection here