First Reading: Isaiah 66:18-21 Responsorial: Psalm 117:1, 2 Second Reading: Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13 Gospel Passage: Luke 13:22-30
The Narrow Gate by Msgr. Richard Henning
An attentive reader notices early on in the Gospel of Luke that the story of the Jesus has significance for the whole world. In the prologue, Luke addresses his Gospel to “Theophilus.” While we may not know the identity of this figure, we can observe that he bears a Gentile name. When Luke announces the birth of Jesus, he sets the event in the larger context of the world by noting the name of the Emperor and Roman Governor of Syria. When the infant Jesus is presented to God in the Temple, the very heart of the Jewish world, a pious Jewish man named Simeon prophesies that Jesus will be a “light to the nations.” Throughout the Gospel of Luke and continuing into the Acts of the Apostles, we learn of God’s plan that the special relationship offered to Israel has been extended in Jesus to include all the nations.
Two weeks ago, when we last read from Luke’s account of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, there were two parables calling the disciples to watchful vigilance for the coming of the Lord. As the Gospel continues, Jesus’ words increase in urgency. He speaks of the division that will occur because people are faced with a choice. They must respond to the message and repent or in rejecting Jesus they will side with the “hypocrites.” Next there are two parables that use a mustard seed and yeast to make the point that the kingdom of God may appear in small or hidden ways, but it will produce great results in and for those who respond properly.
In today’s passage, the urgency of the need for response continues. Jesus is asked about the number to be saved and He responds with harsh words about those who will not enter the narrow gate. While some who presume upon their status may be unpleasantly surprised, others will join Abraham and Issac and the prophets in the kingdom. At issue is the urgent need for a response of repentance and faith. Simeon prophesied to Mary that Jesus would be the cause of the rise and fall of many in Israel. In the Jewish context that Jesus’ addresses in this passage, He demands a response of those who know the law and the prophets. Later in the Acts of the Apostles, preachers of the good news about Jesus will demand the same decision of Gentiles. Jesus warns of the reality that will true in Luke’s day- some Jews will have rejected Jesus while many Gentiles will respond with faith. Jesus’ invitation to a new relationship with God is universal, but the response will be mixed.
While the Old Testament teaches the unique nature of the relationship between God and Israel, it also looks to the day when that relationship will include others. Today’s first reading comes from the last part of Isaiah and prophesies an eschatological restoration of Jerusalem and the return of Jewish exiles scattered among the nations. More radically, Isaiah proclaims that God will also gather Gentiles and that these foreigners will worship in the Temple and serve in the priesthood. Such prophecy provides the foundation for Luke’s understanding of God’s plan and provides the background for Jesus’ words in the gospel passage.
The second reading, taken from Hebrews, addresses a different issue. The author urges perseverance in the face of difficulty. Believers look to the example of the Son of God who accepted suffering in perfect obedience and understand that their own trials may be discipline imposed by God in love. In the Old Testament, there is a cultural presumption that a father must be harsh with his son for his own good. While our culture may have different notions, we may still observe that God has a larger perspective than our own. In fact, trials often do produce good results. Can we trust, even in the midst of difficulty, that God intends only good for His sons and daughters?
Christians read Isaiah’s prophecy and rejoice that Jesus has opened salvation to all men and women from every nation. The whole human family now belongs to God’s chosen people. Nevertheless, we may not presume upon that status any more than Jesus’ listeners in today’s gospel passage. The strong language reminds us that a response to the invitation is required. The gate is only as narrow or wide as the generosity of our response.
