A QUESTION OF UNIVERSAL SALVATION
Introduction: Jesus warns the people of His time not to pin their hopes of salvation on the mere fact that they are members of the chosen people of God. He urges them to make their way in to heaven 'by the narrow gate.' They have to make strenuous effort to achieve this goal. Jesus offers the kingdom of God not just to the Jews but to all people from the four corners of the world. However, He makes it clear that only those who follow the path of Jesus will gain access to it.
First Reading: Isaiah 66: 18 to 21
Second Reading: Hebrews 12: 5 to 7 and 11 to 13
Gospel Reading: Luke 13: 22 to 30
*First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah speaks about a time of universal salvation. He elaborates that the Lord God is going to gather all nations and language groups into one fold. The Lord God in His goodness, mercy and love wants to gather the dispersed people and bring reconciliation to everyone. Further, Isaiah assures us that people will come to Jerusalem from all nations and they will bring offerings to the Lord God. For priestly duties too, persons from every nation will be selected.
Second reading is from the letter to Hebrews. It is a known fact that every father disciplines his son/daughter. If we are disciplined and chastised by God, it is a sure sign that God treats us as His own children. God trains us, His children, through many sufferings, so that we may grow to maturity and reach our goal. Hence discipline, training and perseverance are essential pre-requisites for the final glory that we will experience in future.
Men will come from east and west Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. One of the listeners asks Jesus regarding the number of people who will be eventually saved. He is obviously anxious to know about his own salvation and the salvation of others. In His reply: 1. Jesus exhorts everyone to enter through the narrow door. The door is open, but it is narrow. We have to struggle strenuously to enter through it. 2. The time is short. The door is open but soon it will be closed. None of us will live forever. The door is already being closed to today's opportunities. 3. There is no favouritism in the kingdom. People will enter from east and west, from north and south; rich and poor, black, brown and white. 4. Some reversals and surprises will occur. The first may be last and the last may be first. The poor may step ahead of the rich; the simple may surpass the clever and the learned. Jesus then narrates the parable of a house-owner (God) who closes the door at night and many want to enter through that door. They give many reasons so that they can gain admittance: Eating and drinking with Him, living in His neighbourhood, etc. But the master of that house is not convinced and dismisses them from his presence. Further, Jesus adds that many people from east and west, north and south (universal salvation), will enter the kingdom of God. It is our personal choice whether to enter through the narrow door (challenging life) which leads to eternal life or to enter through the wide door (easy life) which leads to eternal damnation. Hence, through the parable, Jesus tells us that entering the kingdom of God is not restricted to just a few people but open to people from every nationality , ethnic groups and various communities. The path of Jesus (the narrow door) gives access to the kingdom of God. In this context James Baldwin says: "The concept of God should make us larger, freer and more loving." St. John Paul II (Pope) says: "Jesus came to bring integral salvation, one which embraces the whole person and all mankind."
Conclusion: Jesus tells us that there are two roads that we can follow. The first is wide and easy to travel. That does not lead to eternal life. The second road is narrow and difficult. We will often have to go it alone. It is uphill most of the way. It is the way of service to God and neighbour. Few take this road. They are the chosen ones. Eventually they enter the promised land with joy and happiness. All of us are invited by the Lord to take the narrow path that leads to eternal life.
May the Lord Jesus who wants everyone to enter through the narrow door and reach eternal life bless you and lead you to heavenly glory. Amen.
(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, August 24, 2025." Thanks.)
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