Are you still more concerned if you’ll be saved? Why not focus on doing what Jesus said will lead you to heaven? - Daily Reflections August 25,2013

IT IS THE “HOW”

 

“Are you saved?” This is a question that other sects often ask. I do not know how people usually answer the question. These sects believe that guaranteeing salvation is their foremost concern. And they are on the right track. However, in the Gospel today, Jesus was asked a different question. On His way to Jerusalem, someone asked Him, “Lord, is it true that few people will be saved?”

       I encourage you to reflect on this question. The concern is more on one’s chances of attaining salvation. So what if many or few will be saved? If many will be saved, would it change the situation? If few will be saved, how much change will there be? The problem with the question is its focus on chance. If the Lord said that many will be saved, we are more confident of attaining it. If our chances are slim, then we have a lot to worry about.

       If you notice, Jesus did not answer the question; rather, He ignored it. He stressed the need to do everything in our capacity to attain it. He said that many will try to enter God’s Kingdom but will not be able to or will find great difficulty in doing so. The key here is not about chances or the stringent requirements of the Kingdom. If we know God, He wants us all to be saved. It was Jesus’ marching order. Jesus said that Himself, “While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given me; and I guarded them and not one perished, but the son of perdition; that Scripture might be fulfilled” (John 17:12).

       But Jesus was being honest in that it would not be easy to be saved. We have to contend with a lot of temptations and challenges in life and faith. The teachings of Jesus will lead us to the Way, the Truth and the Life. Outside and against Jesus’ Word, salvation cannot be attained, no matter how many or few will be saved. Therefore, the right question is not about whether a few or many will be saved, but how one can be saved. Knowing that, and having the will to apply them, and actually doing them, guarantee one’s salvation. This is the sure way to salvation. Fr. Benny Tuazon

 

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Are you still more concerned if you’ll be saved? Why not focus on doing what Jesus said will lead you to heaven?

 

Lord Jesus, help me to have a perfect change of heart so that I will focus only on things that will make me attain heaven.