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The Last shall 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 Luke 13:22-30, Jesus emphasizes the urgency and challenge of entering God’s kingdom through the "narrow door." The passage reminds us that salvation is not guaranteed by familiarity with Jesus or superficial association with Him, but by a genuine, committed relationship. The reversal of "the last shall be first, and the first last" challenges our assumptions about status, privilege, and entitlement, highlighting God’s grace that welcomes all who earnestly seek Him, regardless of their background. It calls us to humility, perseverance, and a life aligned with God’s will, lest we find ourselves on the outside, longing for what could have been.

Question for Reflection:
Am I actively striving to enter through the "narrow door" by living a life of faith, humility, and obedience to God’s call, or am I relying on superficial connections to faith?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, guide me through the narrow door of Your kingdom. Help me to live with humility, faith, and perseverance, trusting in Your grace. May I seek You earnestly and welcome others into Your love, knowing that Your kingdom turns worldly expectations upside down. Amen.

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