21st SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (C)

And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God.

Lk 13:22-30

v. 22. He passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.

The mention of making his way to Jerusalem indicates the beginning of a new section (13:22-17:10). The gospel for this Sunday (13:22-30) gathers various pronouncements of Jesus about entering the Kingdom of God. Luke addresses these pronouncements to the Jews who do not believe in Jesus.

v. 24. "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough”.

Jesus does not answer the question on how many will be saved.

The word that is translated as “strive” may also be translated as “agonize”. Entering the narrow gate is something over which one should agonize.

v. 26. And you will say, 'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'

These are the Jews who witnessed the ministry of Jesus.

v. 27. Then he will say to you, 'I do not know where (you) are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!'

The speaker here is the judge of the last days. He does not know the Jews who do evil.

It is not enough to belong to the line of Abraham. It is necessary to welcome Jesus in faith.

v. 28. And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out.

Those who do not respond to the invitation are excluded from the Kingdom.

v. 29. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God.

The kingdom of God is compared to a wedding banquet. The pagans are the people from the four corners of the globe who will participate in the wedding banquet.