💖 HOMILY - OCTOBER 30 💖

First Reading - Ephesians 6:1-9

Gospel - Luke 13:22-30

Today’s readings remind us that while we naturally seek an easy, comfortable path in life, the way to salvation is often narrow, challenging, and requires us to make sacrifices. Jesus, in the Gospel, makes it clear that this narrow path—marked by faith, repentance, and obedience—is the true path to eternal life. 

In the first reading, Paul addresses Christians on the importance of living according to household responsibilities and roles, whether as parents, children, masters, or servants. He emphasizes that fulfilling these roles faithfully is not just for the sake of social order but as a way to honor God. Paul’s words remind us that we’re called to live each aspect of our lives with the goal of pleasing God. This obedience and dedication may not always feel easy or comfortable, but it reflects our love for God and commitment to His will. 

In the Gospel, Jesus is asked a challenging question: “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” Rather than giving a straightforward answer, Jesus speaks of the “narrow door” that leads to salvation and urges His followers to strive to enter through it. His response highlights two important points: first, that entering God’s kingdom requires genuine commitment and, second, that we should not delay in responding to God’s call. This “narrow door” is about more than just external actions—it’s about true repentance and an enduring faith that places God at the center of our lives.

So what does this narrow path look like in our lives? It means choosing to live out our faith even when it is difficult, making sacrifices for the good of others, and remaining faithful to God in all circumstances. Paul tells us that fulfilling our responsibilities faithfully and with love—even in seemingly small or routine ways—pleases God and brings us closer to Him. Likewise, Jesus urges us to make these choices now, not to wait or be complacent. 

Dear friends, the journey of discipleship is indeed a narrow road, often lined with challenges. But as we follow this path, we draw closer to Christ, becoming more like Him and experiencing His grace. Each time we make a choice that honors God, every time we choose love over resentment or sacrifice over comfort, we take a step closer to Him. 

Let us ask for the strength to choose this path, to be faithful in all that we do, and to trust that, even though it may be narrow, it is the path that leads us to eternal joy in God’s kingdom.