Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 30, 2024

Date: Wednesday of the 29th 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:

The gospel text for today recounts Jesus’ response to a question about salvation as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus responded to the question concerning who will be saved by first telling the questioner, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate…” That response sets up his parable about those turned away by the master of the house. “The narrow gate” indicates effort and intention in contrast to those turned away by the master of the house who believed they were entitled. Jesus’ response reminds us that we must earnestly and tirelessly seek Him and His kingdom and not assume salvation.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

What efforts do I make to daily to draw nearer to Christ in my relationship with Him? Will He know me when my time comes?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, we offer You praise for all You are and thanksgiving for all that is because of You and your loving power and presence at work. We open our minds and hearts to You and your grace and blessings and seek to draw nearer day by day to You as we journey through this life home to You. Grant that our love for You and our desire for life with You will permeate our life’s moments here on earth and that we will seek to be instruments of your will and laborers in your harvest. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.