Reflection for October 29 Wednesday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 13:22-30

Gospel: Luke 13:22-30

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."

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Reflection:

Mike and Joseph were best friends. Mike came from a poor family, while Joseph was born into a rich one. Being wealthy, Joseph had everything he could ever ask for, and because of this, he grew up spoiled and undisciplined, unable to finish his studies. On the other hand, Mike, who came from a humble background, had to become a working student so that he could complete his college education.

Ten years passed, and their lives took a remarkable turn. Mike, the once poor boy, became a successful man through his hard work and determination. Joseph, however—the once rich and spoiled man—fell into poverty and despair.

The first and last statements of Jesus in our Gospel today are deeply meaningful. He tells us: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate... And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” (Luke 13:24, 30)

Who are those who strive to enter the narrow gate? They are the people who embrace sacrifice, humility, and perseverance. And who are the first who will become last? They are those who choose the easy, comfortable, and worldly path—those who seek only pleasure and convenience in this passing life.

Our discipleship with Jesus is never an easy journey. It is filled with challenges, sacrifices, and moments of testing. Oftentimes, it feels as though we are walking through a narrow and difficult gate. But this is the very path of genuine faith. Jesus Himself reminds us that “whoever wants to be My disciple must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24)

When we suffer or face hardship for the sake of Christ, we must not lose heart. The narrow path may be painful, but it leads to life. If others mock us for our faith or disregard us for standing firm in God’s truth, let us remain steadfast. This world is temporary, and our true reward awaits in the Kingdom of God.

In the end, those who were once last—those who persevered through trials, those who loved sincerely, served humbly, and remained faithful despite ridicule—will be the ones exalted by God. The narrow gate, though hard to pass, leads us to eternal joy.

Are we willing to walk through the narrow gate with Jesus—embracing sacrifice, humility, and faith—so that one day we may enter the fullness of His Kingdom? – Marino J. Dasmarinas