Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’ Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’ And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”
Gospel Trivia:
The message of the gospel can be gleaned from the following "trivia":
- Note that the door is locked and can only be open from the inside (by God).
- The verse "I do not know where you are from" connotes "I do not acknowledge you (as a member or as a friend)" or, only a superficial acquaintance.
- Those who are cast out are considered "evildoers".
This is a key phrase. Hitherto, the perception of the Jews is that they are Yahweh's chosen people, and are thus privileged to be part of God's Kingdom. Instead, Jesus says it is open to everyone ("north, south, east, west" connotes universality and openness). Some of the "chosen" ones will actually be excluded.
The basis for entering the Kingdom is not membership, but Jesus standards of love and forgiveness.
Reference:
- Nil Guillemette, SJ, Parables for Today (Makati: St. Paul Publications, 1987), p. 204-205.
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