Committed to Journey in Love

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge and reassure us that Love is the essential element in our journey to full life.

The Narrow Gate

The Reading From the Letter of Paul to the Romans declares God’s Indomitable Love in Christ.

* [8:28–30] These verses outline the Christian vocation as it was designed by God: to be conformed to the image of his Son, who is to be the firstborn among many brothers (Rom 8:29). God’s redemptive action on behalf of the believers has been in process before the beginning of the world. Those whom God chooses are those he foreknew (Rom 8:29) or elected. Those who are called (Rom 8:30) are predestined or predetermined. These expressions do not mean that God is arbitrary. Rather, Paul uses them to emphasize the thought and care that God has taken for the Christian’s salvation.

* [8:28] We know that all things work for good for those who love God: a few ancient authorities have God as the subject of the verb, and some translators render: “We know that God makes everything work for good for those who love God….”

* [8:29] Image: while man and woman were originally created in God’s image (Gn 1:26–27), it is through baptism into Christ, the image of God (2 Cor 4:4; Col 1:15), that we are renewed according to the image of the Creator (Col 3:10). (Romans, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 13 expresses a heartfelt prayer and passes on a statement of trust,

* [Psalm 13] A typical lament, in which the psalmist feels forgotten by God (Ps 13:2–3)—note the force of the repetition of “How long.” The references to enemies may suggest some have wished evil on the psalmist. The heartfelt prayer (Ps 13:4–5) passes on a statement of trust (Ps 13:6a), intended to reinforce the prayer, and a vow to thank God when deliverance has come (Ps 13:6b). (Psalms, PSALM 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus exhorts us to choose the Narrow Door that separates Salvation and Rejection.

* [13:22–30] These sayings of Jesus follow in Luke upon the parables of the kingdom (Lk 13:18–21) and stress that great effort is required for entrance into the kingdom (Lk 13:24) and that there is an urgency to accept the present opportunity to enter because the narrow door will not remain open indefinitely (Lk 13:25). Lying behind the sayings is the rejection of Jesus and his message by his Jewish contemporaries (Lk 13:26) whose places at table in the kingdom will be taken by Gentiles from the four corners of the world (Lk 13:29). Those called last (the Gentiles) will precede those to whom the invitation to enter was first extended (the Jews). See also Lk 14:15–24. (Luke, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

Vivian Amu comments that as Jesus made his way towards Jerusalem, he took the opportunity to inform the disciples that entry into the kingdom of God is not automatic, and even just being familiar with him was not enough.

Entry requires effort, intentionality, discipline, humility, repentance, genuine sorrow over sin, and turning from it. All of these seem non-negotiable. Entry requires living a life shaped by a genuine relationship with God that makes us recognizable as bearers of hope, love, and faith – a progressive transformation into people recognizable as bearers of the nature of Christ. It is not so much as identity as it is authenticity. It is about the substance of who we are, not just what we claim to be. As I read the gospel today, I asked myself, “Would anyone know that I am a Christian if I never told them? Would anyone recognize that I am a person of faith? Is it enough to say “I believe” or “I am a Christian” while living as though that belief demands nothing? Jesus seems to be telling me today that I cannot fake my way through the gate leading to the kingdom of God. The narrow gate is not just about a destination. It is about the journey that shapes our hearts and the choices that define who we are becoming. It has always been an invitation into an intimate relationship with God who knows us very well.

Lord, help us strive forward with commitment and perseverance, not out of fear, but out of a deep love for Christ and a desire to dwell in God’s presence. (Amu, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “To enter the narrow door,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD)

"'Wide is the door, and broad the way that brings down many to destruction.' What are we to understand by its broadness? ...A stubborn mind will not bow to the yoke of the law [the commandments of God]. This life is cursed and relaxed in all carelessness. Thrusting from it the divine law and completely unmindful of the sacred commandments, wealth, vices, scorn, pride and the empty imagination of earthly pride spring from it. Those who would enter in by the narrow door must withdraw from all these things, be with Christ and keep the festival with him."(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 99) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Romans 8:26-30 comments that as we spin on the Potter’s wheel, that is, as we try to live as his children, we will experience difficulties and sorrows that come from living in a fallen world. We will also experience joy and blessings. But whatever happens, we can rely on St. Paul’s words of assurance in today’s first reading: “All things work for good for those who love God” (Romans 8:28).

We know that this process of God shaping us doesn’t always look good or feel good. When we face loneliness, the loss of a loved one, or a failed marriage, we might be tempted to think that God doesn’t understand (Isaiah 29:16). But we can let Paul’s words remind us—just as they reminded the Romans—that our Father is at work all the time. He is always ready to give us his grace to help us. Even in times of pressure or “trimming,” he is still kind and merciful. So let’s yield to the Potter’s hands and let him continue to form us into “the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29).

“Father, I trust that you are molding me as clay in your hands.” (Meditation on Romans 8:26-30, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments how the Spirit in Romans 8 speaks in our weakness and our call to live in union with the Father and the Son. What would Jesus say about love and acceptance that reveals who God is? God has a plan even when we mess up. Our turning away can be a source of greater intimacy. Jesus describes a narrow gate and how people will follow God only with lip service. Friar Jude notes that the Gospel of Luke declares the welcome of the Gentiles and the possible rejection of “Chosen People” who have not accepted a commitment to love and full life.

Fr. Mike Schmitz concludes the book of Sirach today and encourages us to continue the pursuit of wisdom. In our reading of 2 Maccabees, we see again the pillage of the Temple and we are re- introduced to Judas Maccabeus. Lastly, in Proverbs Fr. Mike encourages us to resist the temptation to rejoice when our enemies fall. Today’s readings are 2 Maccabees 5, Sirach 50-51, and Proverbs 24:17-20.

James Finley leads us through a meditation to help us experience the immediate presence and intimacy of God’s love and those who have joined God before us.

Then God, the angels, and the saints pass through the veil to join you, rendering the room radiant with communal joy and delight in which your very presence begins to glow with the presence of God. Illumined and transformed in this way, God and the angels and saints carry you with them into heaven, just on the other side of the veil, where all are dwelling who have died and crossed over into God. Then God and the angels and saints carry you with them back through the veil, back to the room, now aglow with heavenly wonder and delight. Then, once again, they transport you back into the celestial realm, and then back again into the room…. (Finley, n.d.)

We ponder the expression “8:28 it” as we seek the guidance of the Spirit to choose the “Narrow Gate” as the path to live with love and compassion.

References

Amu, V. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-29-2025 

Finley, J. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-veil-of-light-and-love/ 

Luke, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/13?22 

Meditation on Romans 8:26-30. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/10/29/1417259/ 

Psalms, PSALM 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/13?4 

Romans, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/8?26 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Do Not Risk Being Shut Out. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Discipline to end Division

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to blend discipline, correction, and universalism in our understanding of Jesus' invitation of love to all people.

Enter through the Door

 

In the reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah God Gathers the Nations

* [66:18–21] God summons the neighboring nations to Zion and from among them will send some to far distant lands to proclaim the divine glory. All your kin: Jews in exile. The “gathering of the people and the nations” is an eschatological motif common in the prophetic tradition; cf. 56:8. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 66 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 117 acknowledges God’s supremacy.

* [Psalm 117] This shortest of hymns calls on the nations to acknowledge God’s supremacy. The supremacy of Israel’s God has been demonstrated to them by the people’s secure existence, which is owed entirely to God’s gracious fidelity. (Psalms, PSALM 117 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Reading from the Letter to the Hebrews proclaims the affectionate correction of the Lord.

* [12:1–13] Christian life is to be inspired not only by the Old Testament men and women of faith (Heb 12:1) but above all by Jesus. As the architect of Christian faith, he had himself to endure the cross before receiving the glory of his triumph (Heb 12:2). Reflection on his sufferings should give his followers courage to continue the struggle, if necessary even to the shedding of blood (Heb 12:3–4). Christians should regard their own sufferings as the affectionate correction of the Lord, who loves them as a father loves his children. (Hebrews, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke presents The Narrow Door; Salvation and Rejection.*

* [13:22–30] These sayings of Jesus follow in Luke upon the parables of the kingdom (Lk 13:18–21) and stress that great effort is required for entrance into the kingdom (Lk 13:24) and that there is an urgency to accept the present opportunity to enter because the narrow door will not remain open indefinitely (Lk 13:25). Lying behind the sayings is the rejection of Jesus and his message by his Jewish contemporaries (Lk 13:26) whose places at table in the kingdom will be taken by Gentiles from the four corners of the world (Lk 13:29). Those called last (the Gentiles) will precede those to whom the invitation to enter was first extended (the Jews). See also Lk 14:15–24. (Luke, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Jim Caime, SJ, asks what do these readings say to us, as citizens, as voters, as members of a wounded and divided nation?

They challenge us to ask:

Are we creating systems that heal or harm?

Policies that welcome or walls that exclude?

Are we protecting comfort—or choosing compassion?

It’s not enough to say, “We go to church. We know the language.”

The question is: have we let Jesus change us?

Have we made space for others at the table?

Music is an important part of my spirituality.

If you’d like to continue reflecting, I offer this song:

You Can Do This Hard Thing - Carrie Newcomer (Caime, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “To enter the narrow door,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"'Wide is the door, and broad the way that brings down many to destruction.' What are we to understand by its broadness? ...A stubborn mind will not bow to the yoke of the law [the commandments of God]. This life is cursed and relaxed in all carelessness. Thrusting from it the divine law and completely unmindful of the sacred commandments, wealth, vices, scorn, pride and the empty imagination of earthly pride spring from it. Those who would enter in by the narrow door must withdraw from all these things, be with Christ and keep the festival with him."(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 99) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 13:22-30 comments that Jesus invited everyone to follow him through that gate of obedient, self-giving love.

So open your heart to Jesus. If the gate feels too narrow, the path too difficult, or your resistance too great, confess your need to the Lord. Ask for his help! He loves you immeasurably. He embraced the cross so that the narrow gate could open wide for you.

“Lord, help me to follow you through the narrow gate.” (Meditation on Luke 13:22-30, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the Isaiah reading is from Trito-Isaiah. After the Babylonian exile, the Israelites had returned with a universalism that recognized that God was of everyone. People could be brought to God by their example and a change in approach to the pagan people. Some would be priests and balance between selection and universality. Discipline in Hebrews is good for the child and discipline can purify our motives. Include suffering as an opportunity to cause us to hold on to God all the more. Strive to enter the narrow gate. It is difficult to die to self. Many may find God does not know them. They go through the motions but not in their heart. Friar Jude reminds us that Luke writes a Gospel for gentiles and Jesus teaching is intended for everyone.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, reflects on how his commitment to Christ and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit have continually helped him recognize God in other religious traditions. Father Richard comments that “going deep in the Christian religion of my birth has enabled me to see the same Spirit and love in other religions as well.”

I realized that Indigenous peoples had contemplative prayer long before we Franciscans ever appeared. 

The rediscovery of Christian contemplation opened my eyes to Buddhists and Sufis—their teachings and practitioners. Buddhism taught me the phenomenology of perception—what’s going on in our brains. Every world religion at its mature level discovers some forms of practice to free us from our addictive mind, which we take as normal. Starting in the 1960s, our increased interaction with Eastern religions in general, and Buddhism in particular, helped us recognize and rediscover our own very ancient Christian contemplative tradition. The Sufis’ deep love of mysticism, especially as expressed by their poets Rumi and Hafiz, often captures the stirrings of my own heart. 

My latest discovery was Hinduism, which is considered the oldest world religion. In the early 1980s, I gave a retreat in Nepal. Between talks I would just walk the old streets, go into temples, and try to remain invisible. I remember these lovely Indian women coming in so gracefully, wearing saris, and paying no attention to anything else except perhaps the flame or the oil they were holding. With what reverence they would bow! What do we think they’re bowing to except God, the Mystery? Like the wind, the Spirit blows where it will (John 3:8). (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the guidance of the Spirit to be open to correction of our bias and prejudice as we work to accept the divine discipline that illuminates the path of both selection and universality.

References

Caime, J. (2025, August 23). Daily Reflection August 24, 2025 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved August 24, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-august-24-2025 

Hebrews, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 24, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/12?5 

Isaiah, CHAPTER 66 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 24, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/66?18 

Luke, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 24, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/13?22 

Meditation on Luke 13:22-30. (n.d.). The Word Among Us. Retrieved August 24, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/?utm_content=buffer5c902&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer 

Psalms, PSALM 117 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 24, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/117?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). An Open Christianity. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved August 24, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/an-open-christianity/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Do Not Risk Being Shut Out. Retrieved August 24, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=aug24