Entrance

You think you've got it all under control, that you are doing all the right things, and then this.

Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, Lord, will only a few be saved? He said to them, Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. - Luke 13:22-24

Should we be worried about salvation?

We have a tendency to be so conflicted about our faith, and I believe part of the reason is we are confused by messages like this one in today's Gospel.

If Jesus came to offer us salvation, why should it be difficult to get? 

Jesus loved to speak in metaphors, and the image of a narrow door as our target for salvation is a striking one.  Is the door so narrow I cannot fit if I am overweight?  Or is it wide enough just for me and none of my possessions?

Like the camel and the eye of the needle, the door is restrictive, but the task of entering seems more possible, and that is a source of hope.  While with God all things are possible, it is nice to know there are things we have control over, and this may be one of them.

Jesus taught if we come before the altar of God burdened by anger toward our neighbors, or if we have done something for which we should seek forgiveness from someone else, we need to address those things first.

In a sense, we are told to go back.  We cannot and should not approach.

So, if these are the burdens we carry through life, what makes us think we can fit through the door with them?

So, I think the message is simple.  Let it go.  Get it done.

Whatever it is that is holding us back, we should take care of it.  In that way, the entrance will be open for us, and we will not be turned away.

More to come...