Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C (2025)
Sunday, August 24, 2025
“Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?”” — Luke 13:23. This verse from today’s Gospel Reading invites deeper examination. St. Luke does not divulge many details about the questioner, but clearly presents Jesus’ response, which we will explore later. Who asked the question? Why was the word “few” used instead of another with less negative connotation? As I contemplate this verse, I believe that the questioner was likely one of Jesus’ disciples; either an apostle or someone who followed and learned from Him, because they properly addressed Jesus as Lord. By asking if only a few people would be saved, the questioner already knew from Jesus’ teachings that salvation would be difficult for the many. In His response, Jesus did not reject the notion of salvation being for only a few people. He emphasized it with His response, “Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” — Luke 13:24.
“Strive” translated from the original Greek “agónizomai”, meaning: to struggle, to fight vigorously, to labor fervently. Teachers and coaches can provide examples of their students and players, respectively, who persevere through struggles and those who don’t. Doctors and nurses can too. They see examples of people recovering in the face of insurmountable medical odds and others who lack the fighting spirit to do it. We all know of examples of people who we’ve seen triumph over struggles and other who succumb to them. Jesus asks us to strive to enter through the narrow door of salvation, warning that many will fail. Many people fail because they choose not to accept the gift of salvation, and many more fail because the way to salvation is narrow and difficult. Some false doctrines teach that salvation is easy and will bring riches. They want you to believe that buying their “religious materials or courses,” or sending money to their “ministries,” will lead to a peaceful and prosperous life. That is not the Gospel nor what the Church teaches about salvation: “Detachment from riches is necessary for entering the Kingdom of heaven.” — Catechism §2556.
Salvation is a gift from God, merited by Christ’s passion and given through the grace of the Holy Spirit. Salvation requires our free response and constant toil; it is not presented as an easy path, nor does it guarantee earthly riches. The narrow door of faith is always open, but entering it means embarking on a lifelong journey that begins with baptism and ends in eternal life. God offers His grace, and we are invited to receive this gift and respond in love, aligning our will with God’s.
The words of Jesus call us to a profound examination of our lives. Mere familiarity with Jesus or outward association is not enough for salvation. True entry into the Kingdom requires a deeper commitment, an active participation, and a serious commitment to living out our faith in accordance with His will. We are called to move beyond superficial adherence to faith and to cultivate a genuine relationship with Christ, one that transforms our actions and choices. Let us, therefore, strive with all our might to enter through the narrow door.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.