Readings:
Romans 8: 26-30
Luke 13: 22-30
Reflection:
There is a saying: ‘When one door closes, another opens.’ But in today’s Gospel, this is definitely not the case – once the door is closed and locked by the Master, there is no way in or out.
Jesus’ parable about those who are part of the kingdom of God and those who are not may come as a nasty surprise.
Despite being present at his teachings as well as eating and drinking with him in life, the Master could turn around at the end and say to me, “I do not know where you come from. Away from me, all you wicked men!”
This is a very personal rebuke and criticism. Why has this happened? What have I done to have made things so wrong? What did I do to deserve this harsh treatment? Is there another way to get into the kingdom of God? I am feeling very desperate, alone, scared and tormented by these words.
I am knocking on Heaven’s door and it isn’t opening. I keep on knocking and knocking and knocking. All I can hear is the sound of a great feast with many people on the other side of the door enjoying themselves and I am outside in the cold and the dark. As those who are now feasting are being satisfied, the joy that I once possessed during my life has turned into nothing. It was all empty, illusionary and a waste of time.
This parable has much to teach. It is hard but one to meditate on about how to really live according to the Gospels’ teachings and to be fed with the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. St. Carlo Acutis said, “The Eucharist is the Highway to Heaven!” So let’s nourish ourselves on all that is good, true and beautiful – centred around the Eucharist – so that we have the proper food for the journey of life that takes us straight to Heaven’s door and when I knock it is opened and I am welcomed with open arms by the Master to join in the eternal feast.
Victoria Raw is parishioner of Te Whetu O Te Moana, Star of the Sea Marlborough, NZ and is active in lay ministry.