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Gospel: Luke 13: 22-30

Someone asks Jesus, "Will only a few be saved?"  There are many who think they know the answer to this question.  Some are minimalists and only see those like themselves as being saved.  Others are maximalists and everyone getting into the club.  Yet, Jesus himself does not answer the question. Instead, he turns the question into an opportunity to discuss what is needed in order to enter the kingdom of God, and the answer to that is - not much.   

Jesus talks about entering through the narrow gate, a reference to the entryway into cities for pilgrims and wayfarers.  It was a small door.  Only those with few possessions could enter.  Those with a large retinue and caravans of objects could only enter by the wide gates into the city.  But the kingdom of God only has one entry - the narrow door.  It has no wide gates for large deliveries, large vehicles, or any baggage other than a small carry on.  

We can only enter the kingdom through a life of simplicity and detachment from worldly possessions and desires. The absence of these things frees a person to be present to others and to serve them in their needs.  This path of simplicity was that of Jesus himself who owned next to nothing.  It was the way he sent out his disciples on mission, carrying nothing but a walking staff.  Today is a day to simplify our lives, to live as pilgrims in this world so that we can fit through the narrow gate.