Daily Gospel Reflection for October 31, 2018

Today's Gospel: Luke 13:22-30 Today is the vigil of All Saints’ Day. In the Gospel for today, Jesus warns us that not everyone will be saved. That is, not everyone will be a saint. At the same time, He encourages us: “Strive to enter through the narrow door.” Strength is needed to do this, but “they that hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31a) Anyone who truly wants to enter through the narrow door has the means to gain the needed strength. The question, of course, is whether we do truly want to become saints. Do we want to give the Lord control over all of our lives? Maybe I really want to remain angry at that person who hurt me. Maybe I am sensing a call to a job or a place or a position of service that, deep down, I don’t like the idea of. Isn’t it being “strong” if I put my foot down and insist on what I think is best? But God wants us to have His strength, which is made perfect when we acknowledge and submit our weakness to Him. If we submit to Him, and hope in him, we come closer to having the strength needed to enter His kingdom. May we all continue to strive to do so!

Ponder:

Do I truly want to become a saint?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, help me to keep trying to enter through the narrow door. Help me to come to You for the strength to submit my will to Yours. Help me to become a saint! Amen.

Copyright 2018 Ellen Thomas Ellen Thomas has been married to Roger for 36 years, and has 6 children, 6 children-in-law, and 16 grandchildren (as of the end of 2017.) She loves knitting, reading (mysteries and sci-fi are among her favorites,) singing in the choir, and cooking lots of food for family and friends. She lives near a Great Lake in Michigan. Receive CatholicMom.com newsletters in your inbox, including the Daily Gospel Reflection each morning! * indicates required