John 10
Almost all Western countries proudly declare that our societies are pluralistic while accepting and including everybody and every idea. Certainly, pluralism helps to keep harmonious and safe societies. But when it comes to the salvation of souls, I wonder if we can indiscriminately apply pluralism. We have been quite used to this pluralistic or relativistic idea of salvation for a long time. More and more Christians, especially Catholics embrace this idea: ‘Well, I was born into this Catholicism, and I don’t have much problem with it. I love Jesus. But I don’t think this is the only way to salvation. If you choose another religion, I am sure it will lead you to salvation, too. God is generous and loving, so, he will accept you. Even if you’re atheist, that may be fine, too. If God is loving, he should take care of atheists, too.’
I doubt if someone is interested in salvation when he declares all religions can lead to salvation. And, when I hear a Catholic claim God will save all good people regardless of their religions, I wonder whether there is any need for Christ. What I observe is this: when people offer these pluralistic or relativistic ideas of salvation, they attempt either to pacify their anxiety, or to avoid the question of salvation itself, or to satisfy other people of different religions.
In many places in the gospel, Christ declares he is the singular way to salvation. He does not leave much room to interpret otherwise. On salvation, there are two things Jesus is very clear about: He is the only way to salvation, and his flesh and blood are necessary for salvation. Today’s gospel shows Jesus presents himself as the only gate to salvation. He makes it clear that he is not just one of the many gates but the only gate.
Then, we may ask what he means by this entry through him. To be baptized, to acknowledge him as one’s Saviour, and to go to church every Sunday, he means by that?
In other places in the gospel, Jesus teaches the way to salvation is narrow and difficult. Many people choose the wide and easy way to perdition. Some attempt to walk the narrow and difficult path, but only a few will finally make it. Only with God’s help, it is possible. Why is the way so hard?
In his letter, St Peter encourages the faithful: “If you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.”
Christ suffered for all mankind although he was without sin. And through his suffering, he offered his flesh and blood for our redemption. The only way we arrive at salvation is to be like Christ by suffering and self-giving. To be like him includes not only following his example of self-giving by suffering but also being united with him by receiving his body and blood. We know many disciples of Christ left him because this teaching of eating his flesh and drinking his blood was hard to accept. We know many disciples abandoned him because suffering with him was too painful. But that’s the only way Jesus teaches.
Salvation is given only to a few. The teaching is clear. But the way is narrow and difficult. If I have to walk all alone by myself, I won’t be able to make it there by any means. That’s why we want to be one with Christ. What happened to the disciples when they were struggling in the sea? Jesus said, “It is I; do not be afraid.” They were glad and took him to the boat. “And immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.” (John 6.21)
