In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days,
he spoke to us through a son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe.
(Hebrews 1:1-2)
August 26, 2025
Hello Everyone –
In the Gospel reading last Sunday, we heard someone ask Jesus, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?”
Jesus took the person’s question and used it to deliver a warning to his contemporaries. The Lord’s reply, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” It was his way of cautioning those who thought they were guaranteed a seat on the salvation train. It’s very easy to presume.
Consider if you will a castle. The main gate to a castle is generally wide, and therefore easy to enter — if you have the right credentials. These credentials have nothing to do with goodness of life. They have much to do with having the right connections. Those who enter by the main gate are apt to puff themselves up with a feeling of self-importance. They feel that they have a right to enter because of who they are.
But often in castles you will also find a narrow gate. In order to enter through this gate, you have to make yourself small. You have to humble yourself. And you have to rid yourself of anything that is likely to encumber you like excess baggage. What might be encumbering you at this time from entering?
This simple illustration helps us to understand what Jesus intended when he encouraged his listeners to strive for entrance through that narrow gate. Elsewhere in scripture, Jesus references the need to become like little children, ones that apparently have easy access to the Kingdom of God because of their simplicity and childlike qualities.
All of this is important for us to ponder periodically. We must not repeat the mistake of Jesus’ contemporaries who thought they had a divine right to enter the Kingdom of God. We must really desire to enter it — be willing to build it up — have the courage to sacrifice ourselves for it. Hence, feeling the “squeeze” to enter the narrow gate is not a bad thing.
This ought to be our attitude. It is never wise to take things for granted. We must not feel that all we have to do is show up, flash our baptismal certificate, or simply tell the gatekeeper that we know the boss, and we’re in. The bottom line is goodness of life — courage of witness — faith lived boldly.
How many will enter God’s kingdom? Will it be only a chosen few? Is the kingdom a club for members only? Are these even the right questions to be asking? Why not focus on the narrow gate instead.
At the end of the day, we have to remember that salvation is not something we can earn. It is a gift from God. Jesus opened the Kingdom of God to sinners, and through humility, repentance and conversion we prove ourselves capable to enter that narrow gate with God’s grace.
As I do for you, please pray for me,
Most Reverend Jeffrey S. Grob
Archbishop of Milwaukee
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