Recent Sermons
The Narrow Door
Aug 21, 2022
Summary
Jesus is asked today, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” (Luke 13:23). And maybe you’ve asked the same! But Jesus sets us straight by turning the question back on us so that we ask, “Am I going to be saved?” To answer that question, we almost automatically fall into the temptation to believe that the answer has to do with the sufficiency of our own worthiness or good works. After all, the “narrow door” and Jesus’ requirement to “strive to enter” seem to suggest some effort on our part is involved! The surprise, however, is that there is no effort required at all. One only receives the work, the righteousness of Jesus Christ. In Holy Baptism, you receive that new status: “child of God.” The striving and effort are but the daily dying and rising of repentance and faith by the power of the Holy Spirit. The strength to persevere is nourished by the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist. Keep entering through the narrow but open door, Jesus Christ, our Lord.