Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Will only a few be saved? This question posed to our Lord in the Gospel today is a source of ongoing theological curiosity. Sometimes it is a question rooted in a desire to see justice done in the face of an often depraved world. Surely all the wicked must be punished at the end! We New Englanders might hear echoes of Jonathan Edwards’ sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” and nod approvingly…or shudder nervously. Sometimes it is a question of the depth and breadth of God’s mercy. A certain strain of thought that often arises suggests that almost everyone gets to heaven, that sin is no big deal. This “universalism” conveniently ignores the reality of human sinfulness in favor of a therapeutic-sounding “I’m OK, you’re OK.” But the question arises repeatedly – from this Gospel passage to the present day – for a reason.

Will only a few be saved? This is a question that reflects an understanding that I need to be saved. I am not perfect and cannot, on my own, get to the goal, which is eternity with God in heaven. I need to be saved, I need divine grace, I need help. Notice that Jesus does not answer the question with a number. Our Lord does not suggest an amount of souls that will get to heaven, nor does He suggest that only a certain class of people, a certain nation, or a certain profession will get to heaven. Rather, Jesus answers the question about how many will be saved by telling all who hear Him that heaven is not automatic, but it is also attainable.

Strive to enter through the narrow gate. Living virtuous and holy lives is not easy. It requires our time, attention, and practice. It requires us to be in an authentic relationship with God, lest we think that actions alone will suffice. This work also appears to be ongoing. It is one thing to meet Jesus, to eat with Him at the table, to listen to His words. It is another to continue to walk with Him, to instantiate in our lives the teachings He gives and so to cultivate a living relationship. To enter through the narrow gate means not only that I say “I believe” on Sunday, but that this belief permeates every aspect of my life.

Strive to enter through the narrow gate. Hopefully, this will be the lifelong endeavor of every Christian. It is the task Jesus sets before us today. We may, in justice, want to see evildoers punished. We may, as humble, repentant sinners, want our own evildoing to be overlooked or mercifully wiped away. We may, in pride, think ourselves above or morally superior to others. Many are last who will be first, and many who are first will be last, Jesus tells us. We may be surprised by who is saved along with us, on the day we get to heaven. We may not expect certain people to make it to a place in God’s kingdom. Yet we ought to desire heaven, salvation, eternity with God for ourselves, our families, our friends, and even our enemies. The highest good we can desire is to be with God for all eternity. The order in which we go into heaven doesn’t matter. I’ll take last if it means I get in. But we ought to strive to enter through the narrow gate, to aim for being first, not out of pride, but out of love for the God who does not count how many will be saved, but who opens the way and gives us the grace necessary to follow the narrow path into the Kingdom.

Peace,

Fr. Sam