Isaiah 66:18-21; Hebrews 12:5-7,11-13; Luke 13:22-30
Isaiah, one of the major prophets, has just complained about the people he was sent to. They are not following God’s commandments, but God doesn’t want to destroy them all. God wants to spare those who are still faithful.
With these faithful, new heavens and a new earth are going to be created. A brand-new start.
For this new start those who have pleased God will come together irrespectively of their culture, nation or language. Some of them will be chosen as the new priests and their assistants.
This judgement shows that God is patient and forgiving, but only to a certain point. Noone should expect to be a leader just because of a birth-right. As the Letter to the Hebrews shows, being an heir might entail painful training.
Last Sunday, we read about the baptism of fire. This Sunday, the message of purification continues, and it is a relief to know that for those who are chosen, the process ‘bears fruit in peace and goodness’.
Those who are ultimately chosen will be able to enter the gates to the new heavens, but they need to be aware that these are not gates for everyone. The gates will be narrow.
God decides who can pass through it, and it is not because of birthrights or other inherited privileges that one can enter, but only due to commitments and the right actions. Everyone can become a disciple of Jesus.
For the new heavens, ‘those now last who will be first, and those now first who will be last.’ – and if they come too late, they will find the doors locked.
In this Holy Year, the Jubilee Year of Hope, Pope Francis has opened ‘Holy Doors’ through which pilgrims can pass when they are in Rome. As they are opened usually every 25 years, there are many more pilgrims in Rome than usual. There are queues in front of every Holy Door. Passing through these doors is meant as a spiritual renewal. These are doors of repentance, forgiveness and commitment. There is no difference between hierarchies or any privileges. The doors are for all pilgrims. When the Holy Year finishes on 06 January 2026, the doors will be locked again.
No matter if we can go to Rome and pass through these Holy Doors or not – are we looking for ways of repentance, forgiveness and commitment? Are we seeking to bring hope and justice to the world? God trains us to be missionary disciples, but this training can be difficult and might even be painful. However, Jesus is encouraging us to do the best we can. God knows us and will not ask of us more than we are capable to offer.
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