Is. 66:18-21; Ps. 1117: 1,2; Heb. 12:5-7, 11-13; Lk.13:22-30

It is the Lord’s way that will get us salvation.  The Lord’s way is “the narrow gate” of obedience, faithfulness, and perseverance.  It is not a mystery for he came to reveal to us “the way, the truth, and the life” to holiness.  It is the way of love, the truth of the commandments, and the life of surrender to the will of God.  Here lies the dilemma for the human condition, “love” is more about “seeking” than giving love; truth centers on “my truth” rather than God’s revealed truth; and life is ego-centric to our pleasure than to our sacrifice.  “Lord, will only a few people be saved?  Many will attempt, but not be strong enough”. 

Who are the “many” who desire heaven but not be strong enough?  There are many who call themselves “Christian” by identity without living the true identity in the image of Christ.  “Eating and drinking in the company” of Jesus sounds more like a socialized Christian or a “cafeteria type” Christian living the minimalist role but not the life of Christ.    We must recall that these are choices we make daily leaving us on the outside looking in.  God’s choice is to welcome us in to the Lord’s way.  It is an invitation.  He will lead us but we must be open to follow the way, the truth, and the life. 

The Lord’s way is also the way of the cross.  We unite our suffering with Christ on the cross so our sacrifice is the love and discipline of the Lord.  The Lord does his pruning of the weaknesses of the flesh that we may grow straight and not be ‘disjointed but healed”.  This is what being a “son” that is a child of God by order of our baptism, is the beginning into the life of Christ.  The end is yet to be determined by our response to the invite, a response that is seen by our action.  There is a false teaching that says “once saved always saved” minimizing the importance of our daily response to God.  We have heard it said “a little poison won’t kill you” and in the same way there is the attitude that “a little sin won’t kill you”.  It comes with the attitude that says “I’m a good person, haven’t killed anybody” as if God judges us on our terms and not his.  Surprise will come on judgment day when our whole life is made bare from the heart. 

A few weeks ago, I found myself sitting working on a homily.  When I stood up a sharp pain hit my hip.   Suddenly, I could not walk straight.  I called it “Jacob’s hip” as he wrestled with an angel all night and in the morning was struck in the hip.  X-rays revealed a more medical diagnosis “radiculitis”.  I had to google to make sure I was not being called “ridiculous” for it felt ridiculous to suddenly not be able to walk on my own.  “I went from being completely active to severe pain and depending on a walker to get around.   The “scourging” has begun and the correction of love to make straight the way of the Lord.  This is the discipline of perseverance when things are not in our control, not a cause for joy but we await the fruit of righteousness as we trust in the Lord. 

The Lord knows our “works” and our “thoughts” because works and thoughts matter.  To proclaim “I believe” is only the beginning of the way, truth and life of a Christian.  Works reflect our commitment and thoughts our intent behind our action.  God desires a conversion of heart to love the love of God in our works.  This is the testimony of the God News we are to share with the world.  The Lord is steadfast and faithful and he calls us to be the same.