As Jesus was passing through towns and villages, someone asked him: “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” Most of us have wondered about that question as we look at the billions of pagans compared with the few committed Christians. It would have made for an interesting theological discussion. But Jesus did not answer the question directly. Instead, He directed the question away from abstract theological speculation and toward specific application for each person in the crowd. The man had asked, “Will the saved be few?” Jesus turned it around to ask, “Will the saved, be you?”

Today’s Gospel though does not end on a negative note. We are left with an image of people of every description taking their place at the heavenly Feast. And we are reminded that if today there are those who are first that will be last, it’s also true that those who are last will be first. In the light of Christ, then, we need not despair for the salvation of anyone. The serial abortionist, the hopeless drug addict, the depressed person with suicidal thoughts: they can all be saved. And we can and should strive for their salvation, just as we strive for our own. Salvation requires our earnest effort, our urgent attention, and our careful self-examination. It requires our earnest effort because the door is narrow. It requires our urgent attention because the door is soon to be closed. It requires our careful self-examination because once it is closed, the door will be eternally-closed. As we continue on our life journey, let us continue to focus our goal on Jesus, and nobody else.

The time has come for two friars, who have been working here to move on. Br. Tito is going to Korea for a year, a dream come true for him. Br. Tito has been working for our parish for about 3 years, in our Religious Education program. We wish him the best for this coming experience in his life. Fr. Alberto has been granted a sabbatical year to go and take care of his elderly parents. He has been with us for the last two years. Let us pray for strength as he takes care of his parents. We will be waiting for him next year. Both of them will be missed. May our good Lord be with you both.

Peace, Fr. Oscar Mendez, OFM