From the responsorial psalm: “The LORD is faithful in all his words and holy in all his works. The LORD lifts up all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. The Lord is faithful in all his words.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 13:22-30)
Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. 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.”
Jesus invites all who hear him to enter into the kingdom of God. Some will reject the invitation, and some will not be strong enough. For those who first hear the Gospel and reject it, the choice is theirs to remain outside the kingdom. But the invitation to come into the kingdom is not indefinite, and there will be a time when people knock but are not admitted. Remaining strong in faith and trusting in the call of Christ to follow him, we are called, as the Gospel acclamation says, “to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” now and in the life of the world to come.
God, you are faithful in all your words and holy in all your works. How can I not strive to enter in and remain with you, the God who “lifts up all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down”? Give me the grace today to recognize that the unique gifts you have given me are the same means by which I give glory to you. Help me be a doer of your word and not a hearer only. Strengthen my faith, and help me recognize your divine power to work all things for the good. As Saint Paul says, “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
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