Jesus doesn’t expect us to be perfect; He simply wants us to come to him as we are

 
Reading: Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Luke 13:24.
 
Good morning, happy Wednesday, and many blessings my dear family.
 
The Gospel today (Luke 13:22-30, begins with someone in the crowd asking Jesus if only select people will be saved.  In differing situations, we might hear conversations or homilies about being saved.  Ask yourself: do you worry about “being saved?” If so, what is the source of your anxiety? What does it stem from? Does it come from not being perfect? Or do you worry about some choices you made in the past that were not good for you or for the people you love?
 
As we all know, no human being is perfect, including each one of us. The good news is that Jesus gives us many more chances than we deserve. Jesus is the most loving and forgiving person who ever walked on the face of this earth. He understands our humanity and frailty.  Jesus knows that at times we will hurt others, berate ourselves, make poor choices and we even may turn away from Him for a time. Yet, Jesus continues to love us!  He never stops inviting us to “come home.”
 
Knowing Jesus and having a good relationship with him is at the heart of our faith. This is more than information, which is knowing about Jesus and what he taught and did. Some people felt they were privileged and had the inside track as Jesus was one of them but Jesus was indicating something more than that. His way was open to all people of good will. Lord help us know you better, to more in tune with your message, so that we may live as your friends and companions.
 
Salvation is a gift offered by Jesus who desires to include all. It is not earned or merited or attained by striving or by effort but by allowing the Lord to work, letting the Lord save us (see Eph 2:8-9). Yes, we must accept the gift and use it. Lord, help us be more open to what you offer, so that we may accept the gift as a light to be put on a lampstand showing. The gospels make it clear that our destiny depends on the outcome of our encounter with Christ. He is the means by which we will be saved; that salvation depends on whether or not we 'know' Jesus. Simply claiming to have spent time with him does not count.
 
It is interesting to compare this text with similar gospel passages about human destiny. The story of the rich man and Lazarus implies (without stating explicitly) that the rich man is condemned because he did not look after Lazarus. Similarly, in Matthew 25, people are redeemed or condemned insofar as they tended to the needs of the vulnerable (the naked, sick, imprisoned etc.)
 
My sisters and brother, Jesus doesn’t expect us to be perfect; He simply wants us to come to him as we are. Do we trust Jesus’ love for us? Jesus is waiting for us! Will we open our hearts to Him today? If we do so, we will receive a great gift!
 
Blessings,
 
Fr. Luis+