Reflection From

Fr. John

August 24, 2025

Jesus’ disciples asked Him an important question this week in the Gospel, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” (Luke 13:23) They must have been wondering, “What are the chances that I can be one of those who enter the Kingdom?” Just like today, during the time of Christ, there were differing views on who and how many people would be saved and able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

In response to His disciples, Jesus doesn’t directly answer their question. Rather, He turns the question back on them. He tells them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” (Luke 13:24)

Jesus replies to his disciples and encourages them, but doesn’t dismiss the difficulty of seeking to live a holy life. Christ is telling his disciples and each of us that to live a holy life and to seek the Kingdom of Heaven requires a complete commitment of mind, body and soul. The Greek word that Christ uses and that is translated as strive is agónizomai. It is the root of the English word agony. There is struggle and difficulty when one truly seeks to live a spiritual life following Christ’s commandments. Jesus spoke these words while He was on His way to Jerusalem to be crucified! As Christ faced suffering and ridicule, so too will those who seek to follow Him.

There is always struggle and hardship in any important or worthwhile undertaking. This doesn’t make the path any less worthwhile or glorious. To live a spiritual life and to follow in the footsteps of Jesus means renewing one’s commitment to follow Christ each day. It means viewing all of our activities from the lens of faith and growing closer to Christ. It also means learning to rely on His grace more and more each day. A complete transformation of one’s heart, mind and soul doesn’t happen overnight, but requires patience and the gradual working of the Holy Spirit. Time in prayer and commitment to a daily examen, reviewing one’s day in light of Christ, help us to grow in attentiveness to God each day and to receive the grace we need everyday. Advancement in the spiritual life requires a daily openness to God’s grace. May we never tire of seeking His grace each day and eagerly strive for the greatest spiritual gifts.

Sam Waterson, the famous actor, had a good quote, he said, “If you're not moving forward, you’re falling back.” This is as true in our lives of faith as it is in any other area. If we are not actively seeking everyday in big and small ways to grow closer to Jesus, then we gradually lose awareness of His presence and the ultimate purpose of our lives. St. Ignatius of Loyola mentioned, “Work as if everything depends on you, and pray as if everything depends on God.” Let us have that same attitude of seeking to follow God’s Will and following His commandments. May we not be afraid of the trials and difficulties that will come our way. Rather, may we see them as opportunities and ask for the grace to overcome them, trusting in the Lord’s Divine Providence. In this way, we will become the saints God is calling us to be.

Father John

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