Last will be first

Gospel
Luke 13:22-30
The last shall be first and the first last

Through towns and villages Jesus went teaching, making his way to Jerusalem. Someone said to him, ‘Sir, will there be only a few saved?’ He said to them, ‘Try your best to enter by the narrow door, because, I tell you, many will try to enter and will not succeed.
    ‘Once the master of the house has got up and locked the door, you may find yourself knocking on the door, saying, “Lord, open to us” but he will answer, “I do not know where you come from.” Then you will find yourself saying, “We once ate and drank in your company; you taught in our streets” but he will reply, “I do not know where you come from. Away from me, all you wicked men!”
    ‘Then there will be weeping and grinding of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves turned outside. And men from east and west, from north and south, will come to take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.
    ‘Yes, there are those now last who will be first, and those now first who will be last.’

Reflection

In this passage from Luke 13:22-30, Jesus emphasizes the urgency and seriousness of entering the kingdom of God. The "narrow door" symbolizes the challenging path of true discipleship that demands sincere commitment and humility. Many will seek to enter but will not be able to, highlighting that mere association with Jesus, or superficial faith, is not enough. The reversal of fortunes—where the last will be first and the first last—reminds us that God’s kingdom operates on different values than the world’s. It calls us to examine our hearts, to be authentic in our faith, and to continuously seek God with humility and perseverance.

Question for Reflection

Am I sincerely striving to enter through the “narrow door” by living in true faith and humility, or am I relying on past association or superficial faith?

Prayer

Lord, help me to seek You with all my heart and to walk the path of true discipleship. Teach me to be humble and faithful, so that I may enter through the narrow door and dwell in Your kingdom. Transform my heart to follow You sincerely, not just in words but in deeds. Amen.

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