Wednesday 30th week in ordinary time
"Lk 13:22-30"
Someone said to Jesus, "Lord, will those who are saved be few?" And he said to them, "Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the householder has risen up and shut the door, you will begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, open to us.' He will answer you, 'I do not know where you come from.' Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' But he will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you come from; depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!' There you will weep and gnash your teeth"
How many times has your mum told you that you should not open the door to strangers? You don't allow a stranger to join you for dinner, use your toilet or spend the night in your house, not even to join your birthday party. Even if the stranger says: 'I am a friend of your friend' or 'We played football together in the park; do you remember?' or 'We ate together at the Smiths' barbecue' or 'I'm also an Arsenal supporter.' To that person you should reply what your mum taught you: 'Sorry, but I don't know you.'
In September 2012 a girl organised a party for her 16th birthday. By mistake she left the 'Facebook event invitation' open. On the day of the party up to 600 riot police officers were forced to break up the crowd after more than 3,000 turned up to the party! You see? You open the door for your friends, but you shouldn't for strangers! The same with Jesus. He tells us how some people will come to Him and say 'We ate and drank in your presence... you taught in our streets!' but Jesus will reply: 'Maybe, but I don't know you'. We could update the dialogue saying, 'we were there at Mass most Sundays!' or 'we said grace at meals' or 'I prayed the Angelus in school!' But they would get the same reply: 'Sure, but I don't know you'.
Jesus opens the door to His friends. Friends know each other, they talk to each other, they count on each other: they love each other. God wants to be your Friend. And for friendship to grow you need time, dialogue ... prayer! Does Jesus know you well? It depends on what you say in your prayer. It's very important to answer this question honestly: Is Jesus your Friend? Mary, Most Gracious Advocate, help me to be good friends with your Son.
