Gospel Reflections at St. George's Parish

Gospel Reflections

Reflections from Dcn. Derek

GOSPEL REFLECTION, WEDNESDAY, 30TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, 30 OCTOBER 2024

Luke 13:22-30.  On the long journey with his disciples from Galilee to Jerusalem, Jesus taught by many parables, almost all about the Kingdom.  Today’s gospel reading is one of them, and it speaks of judgement, as so many readings do as we approach Advent.  As he went on, someone asked him whether ‘will only a few be saved.’  Jesus answered, “strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter, but few will be able.”  The word ‘strive’ here is a powerful word, for it is the word from which the English word “agony” is derived.  The spiritual life is indeed a work on our part, even a hard work at times, in striving to respond to the work of God in us.  The parable goes on; now those striving to enter face a locked door, pleading to enter.  The master within replies ‘go away; I do not know you.’   Those seeking entry respond, ‘but we ate and drank with you as you taught in our streets!’  The master again says,  ‘go away, I do not know you!’  Simple familiarity will not suffice as an entry to the Kingdom.  Then there will ‘weeping and gnashing of teeth’ as they realise they are thrown out!  Those who enter the Kingdom will enter with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Joseph; they come from every direction.  In the Kingdom they ‘will recline at table’ (Luke 12:37) in a banquet already prepared for them.  This is the great Messianic Banquet of the Kingdom.  Our worthy participation in the Mass is but a foretaste!  At the Banquet, many who in this world were insignificant and last, will be those who are significant and first in the Kingdom.  The way of the Kingdom is a reversal of the way of the world.   The Kingdom cannot be understood – or entered – by worldly ways.  The Kingdom will contain many surprises!  Those who are prominent in this world may be humbled, and those whom nobody pays attention to will be significant.  This world’s ‘first’ may become last in the Kingdom, and the world’s ‘last’ will often be the first in the Kingdom!