Yesterday’s Gospel (Luke 13:22–30) left me sitting with a question that has stirred many hearts throughout history: “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” It’s a question that naturally arises when we consider the weight of eternity and our place in God’s plan.
But in his usual way, Jesus doesn’t answer with a number. Instead, He redirects the focus entirely:
“Strive to enter through the narrow door.”
Fr. Francis Alvarez SJ, in his column in the Philippine Star, reflected beautifully on this Gospel. He reminded readers that the better question to ask isn’t how many will be saved, but rather:
“What should I do to be saved, and am I willing to do what it takes?”
That question hit home.
It made me realize how easy it is to slip into a comfortable version of faith — attending Mass regularly, reading the Bible, saying my prayers. All of these are good, essential even. But they are not the narrow door.
The narrow door asks more.
It asks for love when it’s inconvenient.
Forgiveness when it’s undeserved.
Honesty when it costs something.
Service when no one is watching.
And humility when pride is screaming for recognition.
The narrow door doesn’t appeal to the crowd. It’s not glamorous or easy. But it’s where real transformation happens. It’s where Christ waits — not just to be admired, but to be followed.
Today, I ask myself:
- Am I just going through the motions of faith, or am I truly striving?
- What areas in my life need to pass through the narrow door — purified, challenged, or surrendered?
- Am I willing to walk a harder path, not because it earns me anything, but because that’s where Christ is?
Lord, help me not to settle for a surface-level faith. Teach me to strive — not in fear, but in love. Guide me through the narrow door, one step, one choice, one surrender at a time.
“Many will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” (Luke 13:24)
May I not be one of the many who look from the outside, but one of the few who strive daily to know You, follow You, and be transformed by You.
