“There are those who are last who will be first and first who will be last.”   Lk.13:22-30

Yesterday we were praying based on what Jesus said to the Pharisees. Today we encounter a teaching of Jesus that undoubtedly confronts us all: it breaks the securities of those of us who see ourselves as the elect; like those of us who are on the path of good; like those of us who profess the true religion. In addition, we are faced with one of the hardest phrases for the ears of contemporary man: “Try to enter through the narrow gate”. “It is not easy to grasp precisely the intent of this phrase used by Jesus. But there is no doubt that Jesus exhorts effort and personal renunciation as an indispensable attitude to save life. Although the permissive society seems to forget it, effort and discipline are necessary. If someone tries to achieve his fulfillment by the way of the pleasant, he will soon discover that he is less and less happy.” (Pagola) Let us accept these words of Jesus today, as spoken to us, looking into each other’s eyes with love.