First Reading • Romans 8:26-30
Psalm • Psalm 13:4-5, 6
Gospel • Luke 13:22-30
In the first reading today, St. Paul reminds us that the Spirit of God is with us and intercedes for us. Even when we do not know how to pray, the Spirit himself prays within us and helps us to do God’s will.
That means we are never left on our own in this Christian journey. With such an advocate and guide always at work in our hearts, how can we fail to live as true images of Christ?
But Jesus gives us a sober reminder in today’s Gospel. He tells us that there are two paths we can follow in life: the broad road of selfishness and sin, or the narrow gate of sacrifice, service and love.
The sad truth is that many people choose the more appealing, but it does not lead to eternal life.
The narrow gate; the way of Christ; is more difficult, but it is the only way that brings us to salvation.
Jesus speaks of people knocking at the door, insisting, “We ate and drank in your company,” yet He replies, “I do not know you.” That can sound harsh, but it reflects something that we all know from human experience.
Sometimes in life we have people with whom we share meals, laughter, and time together. Yet, when circumstances change, those same people may distance themselves from us or even deny knowing us. It is a painful experience; being shut out of someone’s life, even after we thought we had a place there.
Jesus uses that very human reality to show us the seriousness of discipleship. It is not enough to say that we once walked with Him, heard His teaching, or were present at His table.
What matters is a living, faithful, ongoing relationship; the kind of bond that endures through struggle, sacrifice, and love.
So, the Gospel challenges us:
Are we good time friends of Jesus, happy to be with Him when its easy, but absent when the cost is high?
Or are we true friends; known by Him because we strive daily to walk the narrow path of faithfulness and love?
