Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 29, 2025

Date: Wednesday of the 30^th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Luke 13:22-30

Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.  Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company, and you taught in our streets.’ Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’ And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel reading recounts Jesus urging us to “strive to enter through the narrow gate” which will require great spiritual effort and discipline on our part. Jesus also warns us that it is not enough to know about Jesus, we must commit to Jesus with all our heart and will. And Jesus’ teaching ends with great hope as He mentions the people who will share in the kingdom and it is not limited by ethnicity but rather by commitment to Christ.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I assume that because I belong to a church that I will be among those who are saved? How committed am I to Christ? What have I done this week to show my commitment?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, our Savior, You came into our world as our human brother in all ways except sin. You taught us through your words, your parables, and most especially your example. You told us that we must deny ourselves, pick up our crosses, and follow in your footsteps. Send the Spirit to strengthen our resolve so that we might commit to You as your disciples. Grant that we may choose You daily for You truly are “the Way and the Truth and the Life.” Amen.