Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in
Ordinary Time
(Ephesians 6:1-9; Luke 13:22-30)
The title of a 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 urges his listeners to make every effort to live holy lives. Only those, he implies, who commence the quest early and persist in long struggle will achieve their end. However, his language resists the conclusion that he means only a privileged few will find eternal happiness. People, he says, will come from all directions to participate in the heavenly banquet.
Nevertheless, we are wise to take to heart Jesus’ implied warning. If it is the case that most people will fall short of eternal life, then our efforts may prove eminently worthwhile. And if God is as indulgent as some people think, then we will at least be an example that might save a few from human folly.
Jesus does not actually say that many will be condemned but certainly the logic of his statement points in that direction. He urges his listeners to make every effort to live holy lives. Only those, he implies, who commence the quest early and persist in long struggle will achieve their end. However, his language resists the conclusion that he means only a privileged few will find eternal happiness. People, he says, will come from all directions to participate in the heavenly banquet.
Nevertheless, we are wise to take to heart Jesus’ implied warning. If it is the case that most people will fall short of eternal life, then our efforts may prove eminently worthwhile. And if God is as indulgent as some people think, then we will at least be an example that might save a few from human folly.