Daily Catholic Lectio
Wed, 29 Oct ‘25
Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time, Wednesday
Romans 8:26–30. Luke 13:22–30
From East and West
The Journey to Jerusalem
Today’s Gospel begins with a simple line: “Jesus was making his way to Jerusalem.” Luke mentions this journey many times. For Jesus, Jerusalem was not just a destination on a map — it was the place where His mission would be fulfilled. It was where love would be tested and redemption accomplished. This phrase invites each of us to ask: What is my Jerusalem? Where is my life moving? Do I live with a clear sense of purpose, or do I simply drift from one day to the next? Jesus’ life reminds us that faith is a journey with direction — toward the Father’s will. In our lives too, every step, every cross, and every choice is part of our pilgrimage toward God’s heart.
A Difficult Question
Along His journey, someone asks Jesus: “Lord, will only a few be saved?” It is a question born out of comparison — “Who will make it? Who won’t?” But Jesus does not answer with numbers. Instead, He redirects the question from “How many?” to “How faithful?” He says, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate.” In other words: do not waste your life calculating others’ salvation; work on your own transformation. The word “strive” in Greek — agonizomai — means to struggle, to wrestle, to fight with effort. Salvation is not a privilege of the few but the perseverance of the faithful.
The Narrow Gate
Jesus invites us to enter through the narrow gate — not because God is narrow-minded, but because love demands focus. The narrow gate is the path of sincerity, humility, and truth.
It means being one person — not divided between appearance and reality, faith and behaviour, prayer and practice. Within each of us live two or three different selves. The spiritual journey is to unite them into one. To enter the narrow gate is to live with integrity — the same heart in public and in private, in church and at home.
“I Do Not Know You”
Jesus warns, “Many will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ But I will say, ‘I do not know you.’” It is possible to be near Jesus without truly knowing Him. Familiarity is not intimacy. We can attend Mass, listen to His Word, even serve in His name — yet never let Him touch our hearts. What matters is not proximity, but relationship. It is not enough to walk around Jesus; we must walk with Him. When we live as His friends — in truth, love, and obedience — then He recognizes us as His own.
From East and West
Then comes the great reversal: “People will come from the East and West, from the North and South, and will sit at the table in the kingdom of God.” Salvation is not a private possession of any nation, culture, or religion — it is a gift open to all who love God sincerely. The door of the kingdom stands open — not for the proud who think they deserve it, but for the humble who simply desire it. This is the Gospel’s beautiful paradox: Those who seemed far away — outsiders, foreigners, sinners — will be welcomed in, while some who thought they were near may find themselves outside. God’s mercy reaches beyond our boundaries. He invites everyone — from East and West, from every land and language — to sit together at one table, united not by status but by grace.
The Spirit who Helps Us
The first reading from Romans reminds us that even when we do not know how to pray, “the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.” Our weaknesses are not obstacles to God’s plan — they are openings for His Spirit to work. When our prayers fall silent, the Spirit speaks. When our strength fails, grace sustains. When our goals fade, the Spirit reawakens direction within us. Those who love God and seek His purpose are never alone. As St. Paul says, “In everything, God works for the good of those who love Him.”
Reflection Questions
- What is my Jerusalem — the goal toward which I am moving in faith?
- What “narrow gates” do I need to pass through — habits, fears, or attachments that keep me divided?
- Do I allow the Spirit to pray and act within me, trusting that all things will work together for good?
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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