FALSE SECURITY

It should be known that, at the time of Jesus, there were two rabbinical currents that supported two different positions regarding future salvation. Some said that Israel would be saved by the promise. God cannot abandon his inheritance. Others instead said that only a few would be saved. So: are those who reach salvation many or few? We must say that Jesus never liked these debates. For him it is not a question of numbers or merits. What does he do then? He tries to unmask the false religious security of his interlocutors. We must remember that salvation is not a given, that is, it is not given simply by belonging or by tradition. In a word: we must take action, that is, we must strive to enter through the narrow door because there is no time to waste. Too many delays can jeopardize entry into the Kingdom. When the master of the house closes the door forever, it will no longer be any use to show off titles of friendship or boast of acquaintances. These are useless things, and for God they are worthless. Salvation is a gift but it is also a commitment, it is given freely but requires a grateful response. The door we must try to pass through is Jesus himself. Following him is not easy, it involves struggle and resistance. Through him, however, we enter into true life. He is the door of heaven (cf. Gen 28:17), always open to all (cf. Jn 14:6), and which leads to the experience of the true God (cf. Jn 17:3). If this door is narrow, it is not to limit passage but to indicate the necessary effort, as we have said, to live the Gospel and thus enter into the very life of God.

Lord Jesus
who justified us
not by our works
but thanks to the gift of faith,
teach us to live
with you and in you
only for the Father.
You did not die in vain
because your love has made us reborn
and we
– free crucified –
believe in you
our brother
and our God,
the only Saviour.

Commentary by b. Sandro Carotta, osb
Abbazia di Praglia (Italy)

Translation by f. Mark Hargreaves,
Prinknash Abbey