From Our Pastor: The Narrow Gate and the Call to Live Out Salvation

We are in the period of readings that challenge us greatly. The prophet Isaiah tells us of a time when all the nations will be gathered together on the mountain of the Lord, yes especially the Gentiles. He tells us of a sign that will gather them with dromedaries, camels, yes many see this as a prophecy fulfilled in the wise men. The sign is not just the star, but Jesus Christ, and He will gather all the nations, Jew and Gentile alike.

Jesus challenges us today with His discussion of salvation. He is asked, will only a few be saved? He then goes on about the narrow gate and how many will not be strong enough. Please remember we do not preach that everyone automatically goes to heaven. Salvation is not automatic, nor is it earned. It is a free gift that must be accepted and lived out. So many forget that even if one is judged for heaven, they may be in purgatory awaiting your prayers for God’s grace. When we have the mentality of automatic straight to heaven for everyone, we lose sight of the need for a funeral and proper burial, as well as the need to pray for the dead.

Many times a family has said, well mom didn’t want a fuss about her, so she didn’t want a funeral. The sad part of this is they think the funeral is about them, instead of about Jesus Christ’s saving action for them. The offering of the Mass of Christian Burial is a powerful source of grace for the dead and needs to be followed asap by a proper burial. The funeral is the greatest gift we can receive in that moment, as the Mass is the most powerful prayer of the Church for the dead. Have Masses said for your loved ones. Pray for the dead. Pray for the poor souls in purgatory. And ask them to pray for you.

This is all reinforced in the Gospel today. Jesus gives us this parable about those standing outside, after the master has arisen and locked the door, and says Lord open the door for us. The master will say I do not know where you are from. We know you! We were with you! We ate with you. I do not know where you are from, depart from me evil doers. He says there will be many: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the prophets, and people from the north, south, east, and west. This is very challenging, but also very comforting. Salvation is not guaranteed. We must open ourselves to it, and we must live it out.

We may think we know Jesus, but do you really follow Him? So many call themselves Catholic, but do not practice or live it. They never clearly opened themselves to salvation, nor lived it out. This is a tough teaching Jesus gives us, but it should wake us up to follow Him. Yes, this includes the need to follow the commandments and precepts of the Church (which include the Mass and sacraments) at minimum. This passage is a comfort to know that many from all places in the world will be welcomed and dine with Him in heaven. We need to start following Him. How did He teach us to live it out, to serve Him and our neighbor?

What a great start to the school year! Continue to support our school, our teachers, our students, our parents, our staff, and our clergy, as we work to mold disciples of Christ.

Fr. Arisman