Homily for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Isaiah 66:18–21; Hebrews 12:5–7, 11–13; Luke 13:22–30)
The Narrow gate?!
Beloved in Christ.
Today’s Gospel begins with a striking question: “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” Notice: the man in the crowd is not asking about wealth, not about health, not even about happiness. He is asking about the ultimate question—salvation. In other words: Who will make it to heaven?
Jesus does not give numbers or statistics. Instead, He shifts the focus from curiosity to commitment: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate.” The Word of God this Sunday invites us to examine our journey of faith with seriousness and hope. That is the challenge before us this Sunday: salvation is not about idle speculation but about personal transformation.
Let me share with you three takeaways from the readings.
1. God’s Invitation Is Universal (Isaiah 66:18–21)
Through Isaiah, the Lord declares: “I come to gather nations of every language; they shall come and see my glory.”
- Salvation is not a private club for a few; God throws open the doors to all peoples, cultures, and languages.
- Yet, openness to all does not mean automatic entry. Every invitation requires a response. The banquet is prepared, but we must accept the invitation with faith and obedience.
- God is not the God of one tribe, one nation, or one language. He is Lord of all.
- From every corner of the earth, from east and west, north and south, God desires to gather a family.
This is revolutionary. In the ancient world, gods were local, tied to borders. But our God smashes walls and opens His heart to every people.
But here’s the catch: being invited is not the same as being inside. Every banquet invitation requires a reply. Isaiah says God will “send fugitives” to announce His glory. The Church today is that missionary voice. We have received the invitation. The question is: What’s our RSVP?
Takeaway: God desires all to be saved. No one is excluded. But each of us must respond personally. God calls everyone—but we must choose to walk toward Him.
2. The Narrow Gate Is the Way of Discipline (Hebrews 12:5–13)
The Letter to the Hebrews reminds us: “Whom the Lord loves, He disciplines.”
In our age, discipline often sounds negative, but the Greek word here means training. Think of an athlete: no one wins a race by eating junk food and lying on the couch. Training hurts. Sacrifice hurts. But it produces strength. Likewise, the narrow gate is not wide and easy. It’s not “anything goes.” It requires discipline:
- Resisting temptation when the world says, “Follow your desires.”
- Forgiving when it would be easier to hold a grudge.
- Choosing honesty when a lie could save face.
- Sacrificing time for prayer, worship, and service when comfort whispers, “Stay in bed.”
- Discipline is not punishment but training. Just as an athlete trains with effort, so too a disciple must endure trials, corrections, and sacrifices.
- The narrow gate is difficult because it requires humility, repentance, forgiveness, patience, and self-denial—virtues that shape us into true children of God.
- This discipline is not cruelty. It is God shaping us into sons and daughters ready for His Kingdom.
- Salvation is free—but it is not cheap. Grace must be lived out in disciplined love.
Takeaway: Following Christ costs something. The narrow gate is discipline, but it leads to life.
3. The Last Shall Be First, the First Shall Be Last (Luke 13:22–30)
The Gospel gives us perhaps the most shocking lesson. Some people will knock on the door saying: “We ate and drank in your company, and you taught in our streets!” But the Master replies: “I do not know where you are from. Depart from me.”
Jesus warns that many who presume to have a seat at the table will be left outside. What does this mean? It means that simply being around Jesus is not enough.
- Coming to Mass without conversion of heart is not enough.
- Carrying a rosary without living its mysteries is not enough.
- Knowing about Christ without knowing Him personally is not enough.
- Familiarity with religion is not enough; it is not enough to say, “We ate and drank in your company.”
- What counts is living in friendship with Christ, allowing His Word to shape our daily decisions.
- God may surprise us—those we least expect could be first in line, because they took the narrow path seriously.
We cannot rely on our Catholic identity as a kind of membership card. Salvation is not about proximity but about intimacy—knowing Christ, loving Him, and allowing Him to transform us.
That is why Jesus ends with the paradox: “The last shall be first and the first shall be last.” Some who seemed far—sinners, outcasts, the unexpected—may enter first because they truly repented and loved. Some who presumed they were safe may be left out because they never walked the narrow path.
Takeaway: Do not presume; instead, strive daily to deepen your relationship with Christ. Don’t just be familiar with Jesus—be transformed by Him.
So, brothers and sisters, today’s Word of God confronts us with three urgent truths:
- God’s invitation is universal. Everyone is called—but each must respond.
- The narrow gate is discipline. Grace calls us to sacrifice and perseverance.
- Proximity is not intimacy. Knowing about Jesus is not the same as truly walking with Him. Do not rely on appearances but let your friendship with Christ be genuine.
Let me ask you:
- Are you striving each day, or are you coasting spiritually?
- Are you training your soul, or letting it grow flabby?
- Are you just around Jesus, or are you truly in love with Him?
The Lord’s call today is urgent. The banquet is ready. The invitation is in your hand. The narrow gate is open. Don’t just be familiar with Jesus—be transformed by Him.
May the Lord give us the strength to enter by the narrow gate, so that one day we may share in the eternal banquet where people will come from east and west, from north and south, and sit at the table in the Kingdom of God. Amen.
Have a splendid week!
Enter your text here...
