You're listening to the I Pray with the Gospel Sunday Reflection on the St. Jose Maria Institute podcast.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, amen.

My Lord and my God, I firmly believe that you are here, that you see me, that you hear me.

I adore you with profound reverence.

I ask your pardon for my sins and the grace to make this time of prayer fruitful.

My Immaculate Mother, St. Joseph, my father and Lord, my guardian angel, intercede for me.

The 21st Sunday in ordinary time.

A reading from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 13.

Someone said to Jesus, Lord, will those who are saved be few? He said to them,

strive to enter by the narrow door. For many I tell you, we'll seek to enter and will not be able.

There you will weep and gnash your teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the

prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves

thrust out. Behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.

When they asked Jesus if those being saved were many or few, Jesus didn't give a number,

but a warning. It is not going to be easy. The door is narrow.

Many will try to get through, but will not be able.

Jesus said it not to frighten his disciples, but to encourage them. Just as a teacher who announces

that there will be an exam is not scaring their pupils, but encouraging them to study.

If anyone feels threatened,

it is because he hasn't studied. Jesus' warning is about those who are very confident that they will get through the narrow gate, as if we could buy a ticket to heaven with our own money.

With our holy lives, we can ask God for the ticket, but not pay for it.

The ticket has been paid for by Jesus on the cross.

...