Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
(Ephesians 6:1-9; Luke 13:22-30)
The title of a new, well-advertised book asks a question which approximates the one in the gospel today. Will Many Be Saved? evidently gives an answer similar to Jesus'.
Jesus does not actually say that many will be condemned but certainly the logic of his statement points in that direction. He adjures his listeners to make every effort to live holy lives because, he implies, only those who commence the quest early and persist in long day’s struggle will achieve their end. However, his exhortatory language resists the conclusion that he means only a privileged few will find eternal happiness.
Nevertheless, we are wise to take Jesus’ words literally. If it is the case that most people will fall short of eternal life, then our efforts may prove eminently worthwhile. If God is as indulgent as some people think, then we will at least be giving good example that might save others from natural folly that warps human lives.
