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/ 

Faith and Inclusion

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate our role as “apostles” of inclusion in the Body of Christ and how our actions can support our mission.

A Path of Inclusion

The Reading from the Letter to the Ephesians declares we are One in Christ.

The Gentiles are now included in God’s household (Eph 2:19) as it arises upon the foundation of apostles assisted by those endowed with the prophetic gift (Eph 3:5), the preachers of Christ (Eph 2:20; cf. 1 Cor 12:28). With Christ as the capstone (Eph 2:20; cf. Is 28:16; Mt 21:42), they are being built into the holy temple of God’s people where the divine presence dwells (Eph 2:21–22) (Ephesians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

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Psalm 19 proclaims how the heavenly elements of the world bespeak the power and wisdom of their creator.

* [Psalm 19] The heavenly elements of the world, now beautifully arranged, bespeak the power and wisdom of their creator (Ps 19:2–7). The creator’s wisdom is available to human beings in the law (Ps 19:8–11), toward which the psalmist prays to be open (Ps 19:12–14). The themes of light and speech unify the poem.

* [19:4] No speech, no words: the regular functioning of the heavens and the alternation of day and night inform human beings without words of the creator’s power and wisdom.

* [19:5] The sun: in other religious literature the sun is a judge and lawgiver since it sees all in its daily course; Ps 19:5b–7 form a transition to the law in Ps 19:8–11. The six synonyms for God’s revelation (Ps 19:8–11) are applied to the sun in comparable literature. (Psalms, PSALM 19 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus identifies apostles for The Mission.

* [6:13] He chose Twelve: the identification of this group as the Twelve is a part of early Christian tradition (see 1 Cor 15:5), and in Matthew and Luke, the Twelve are associated with the twelve tribes of Israel (Lk 22:29–30; Mt 19:28). After the fall of Judas from his position among the Twelve, the need is felt on the part of the early community to reconstitute this group before the Christian mission begins at Pentecost (Acts 1:15–26). From Luke’s perspective, they are an important group who because of their association with Jesus from the time of his baptism to his ascension (Acts 1:21–22) provide the continuity between the historical Jesus and the church of Luke’s day and who as the original eyewitnesses guarantee the fidelity of the church’s beliefs and practices to the teachings of Jesus (Lk 1:1–4). Whom he also named apostles: only Luke among the gospel writers attributes to Jesus the bestowal of the name apostles upon the Twelve. See note on Mt 10:2–4. “Apostle” becomes a technical term in early Christianity for a missionary sent out to preach the word of God. Although Luke seems to want to restrict the title to the Twelve (only in Acts 4:4, 14 are Paul and Barnabas termed apostles), other places in the New Testament show an awareness that the term was more widely applied (1 Cor 15:5–7; Gal 1:19; 1 Cor 1:1; 9:1; Rom 16:7). (Luke, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Jim Caime, SJ, comments that sometimes, even the Church, which should be home, can feel unfamiliar. At times, it even feels hostile — not a refuge, but a place where silence or judgment stings.

That’s why today’s reading from Ephesians doesn’t comfort me. It strikes a painful spot I’ve tried to numb: “You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but members of the household of God.” I want those words to be true. I want to feel at home in that household again. But lately, they touch a wound.

Maybe that’s what faith looks like when we’re honest — not the absence of doubt or hurt, but the willingness to stay open, even while wounded. Simon and Jude, quiet apostles whose names we barely remember, seemed to know that belonging isn’t something we earn or always feel. They belonged because they were called — because Jesus wanted them close. And maybe that’s where my hope rests, too: that even when I don’t feel at home, even in the Church, even in my country, I still belong to the One who calls me by name. (Caime, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus chose fishermen and tax collectors to be apostles,” by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.

"It says, 'He called his disciples, and he chose twelve of them,' whom he appointed sowers of the faith, to spread the help of human salvation throughout the world. At the same time, observe the heavenly counsel. He chose not wise men, nor rich men, nor nobles, but fishermen and tax collectors, whom he would direct, lest they seem to have seduced some by wisdom, or bought them with riches, or attracted them to their own grace with the authority of power and nobility. He did this so that the reasoning of truth, not the grace of disputation, should prevail."(excerpt from EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 5.44) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 6:12-16 comments that Simon and Jude tell us that the Church is made up of many different individuals and ministries. We don’t always agree on everything. And sometimes we hardly agree on anything other than the fact that we love the Lord and his Church! But something amazing and beautiful happens when we come together as believers, whether to serve the needy, to witness to our faith, or to worship at Mass. We experience a unity that can only come from Jesus, the “capstone” of our faith (Ephesians 2:20).

Today, reflect on your view of believers who are different from you. How can you better respect their convictions and their love for Jesus? Maybe try to reach out to someone new after Mass this Sunday and strike up a conversation. Get to know them a bit. Ask the Spirit to help you see Christ in that person.

“Thank you, Lord, for the unity in diversity that is the hallmark of your Church!” (Meditation on Luke 6:12-16, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in Ephesians the author uses the example of being built into a structure. We together have become the dwelling place of the Spirit. Gentiles are told they are as sacred as the Jews. The call of the Twelve in Luke is preceded by Jesus praying (11 times in Luke’s Gospel ) to discern the Will of the Father and observe it. Friar Jude reminds us of apostles who turned from a political solution to Jesus, according to Father’s will following the Way we will be saved.

Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on our reading from Sirach and what we have already learned on this journey through the Bible. He emphasizes that Scripture encourages us to rise again from our sin and return to God, because our God always picks us up again with his mercy. Today’s readings are 2 Maccabees 4, Sirach 47-49, and Proverbs 24:13-16.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces priest and poet Ernesto Cardenal shares the insights of a small Christian community in Nicaragua, where everyday people reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ transfiguration, especially his conversation with Moses and Elijah.

They asked me [the priest] why Moses and Elijah appeared, and I said that Moses was the great liberator of the people, that he brought them out of Egyptian slavery, and Elijah was a great prophet, a defender of the poor and the oppressed, when Israel again fell into slavery, with social classes. Both of them were closely identified with the Messiah, for it had been said that the Messiah would be a second Moses and that Elijah would come back to earth to denounce injustices as a precursor of the Messiah (and Jesus said that Elijah had already arrived in the person of John the Baptist). 

We acknowledge the Mission of Jesus to bring life to all people and implore the inspiration of the Spirit to fulfill our Baptismal Anointing as priest, prophet, and leader.

References

Caime, J. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved October 28, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-28-2025 

Ephesians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 28, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/2?19 

Luke, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 28, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/6?12 

Meditation on Luke 6:12-16. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved October 28, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/10/28/1416017/ 

Psalms, PSALM 19 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 28, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/19?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 28, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/jesus-ancestors/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Jesus Chose Twelve Apostles. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 28, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=oct28a