In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus traveling toward Jerusalem, teaching along the way. Someone asks Him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” And Jesus responds with an invitation: “Strive to enter through the narrow door.” He doesn’t give a number. Instead, He gives a challenge. The narrow door is not about physical size but about the disposition of the heart. It suggests effort, humility, and faithfulness. It’s not enough to simply know about Jesus or show up occasionally – we must allow Him to shape our lives every day. The word Jesus uses for “strive” comes from the same root as “agony” – a reminder that discipleship requires perseverance. Salvation is God’s gift, but it also involves our response. It’s not enough to know about Jesus; we must follow Him. It’s not enough to say, “We ate and drank with you,” if our lives remain closed to His love and mercy.Jesus warns that some who presume they are insiders will find themselves outside, while others who seem far away – “from east and west, north and south” – will be welcomed at the banquet. God’s grace overturns our human expectations. God looks at our hearts, not our status. The first may be last and the last first. What matters is not status or familiarity but conversion of heart.

So how do we enter through the narrow door?

• By placing God at the center, not just when it’s convenient, but every day. Do I treat faith as something passive, or am I striving to let Christ shape me daily? The time to respond is now. The banquet is ready. The door is open. But we must choose to walk through.
• By practicing mercy, forgiveness, and justice.
• By letting our lives bear witness to Christ in the ordinary – at home, at work, with our neighbors.

The door is narrow not because God wishes to keep people out, but because it requires us to let go of pride, selfishness, and indifference. We cannot squeeze through carrying all our attachments. The good news is that Christ Himself walks with us and gives us the grace we need.

May we accept this invitation with humility and perseverance, so that one day we may take our place at the table of the Kingdom, rejoicing with all who have answered His call.