30 October 2024 - Only By Grace Reflections

#OnlyByGraceReflections #CFC #CouplesforChrist

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TOPIC: HOW MANY WILL CHOOSE THE NARROW DOOR?

First Reading: Ephesians 6: 1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 145: 10-11, 12-13ab, 13cd-14
Alleluia: Second Thessalonians 2: 14
Gospel: Luke 13: 22-30

Brothers and sisters, "everyone may enter life, but the door is 'narrow' for all. We are not privileged. The passage to eternal life is open to all, but it is 'narrow' because it is demanding: it requires commitment, self-denial and the mortification of one's selfishness." (Pope Benedict XVI)

We have Mary as an example. "She welcomed [Jesus] with all her heart and followed him every day of her life, even when she did not understand, even when a sword pierced her soul." The way to heaven is difficult and the gate to enter small, but Jesus' mother, Mary, who herself entered through the narrow gate, will help those who ask. Mary can be invoked under the title "Gate of Heaven". As stated by Pope Francis "if we too want to pass through the narrow door, we must work to be little, that is, humble of heart like Jesus, like Mary his Mother and our Mother."

This is the 1648th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.

[NOTE: Let us listen to our brother Arnel Santos, a member of the CFC Board of Elders and Mission Head for Asia, as he brings us today's reflection.

All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives. This video is also available on Couples for Christ’s Facebook page. In You Tube, just type ONLY BY GRACE REFLECTIONS]