Strive to Enter the Narrow Gate
2nd Sunday in Lent – March 16, 2025
First Reading: Genesis 15:4-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27:2-3; 9-10; 11-12; 13-14
Second Reading: Philippians 3:17-4:1
Gospel Reading: Luke 13:22-30
Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa
In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us to strive to enter the narrow gate.
The Old Testament reading reveals that God is faithful in fulfilling His promises. However, it is not a one-sided covenant; we must also do our part by obeying Him every day of our lives. In the New Testament reading, Saint Paul teaches that following God comes with a cross. We must embrace the challenges we face, for it is in the darkness that we often witness God’s work in our lives.
The central message of today’s Gospel is to let go of anything that hinders our journey to follow Jesus. During this Lenten season, it is an opportunity to purify our hearts and reflect His light in our lives each day. Let go of the things that do not glorify God and choose the narrow path—a path that leads to eternal joy.
The philosopher Baruch Spinoza once said, “All things excellent are as difficult as they are rare.” Excellence, in all aspects of life, is not easily attained. If something is easy to achieve, it becomes commonplace. We must endure struggle and hardship before we can attain greatness. God desires us to be great, but are we willing to release the things that do not please Him—such as our anger, wealth, and desire for power?
