First reading (Is 66:18-21): Second Reading (Heb 12:5-7. 11-13): Gospel (Lk 13:22-30):
The last part of Isaiah's book ends with a great vision: God will bring together all nations in a single holy people. All will be brothers and sisters. A universal destiny that we often forget within each Christian Church, thinking that we are the only ones that deserve the salvation promised by God. We are called to expand our horizons, truly recognizing ourselves as part of this great family called humanity.
In the course of the path of Jesus to Jerusalem, someone asked him: "Lord, will only a few people be saved?" The answer (like other times) was not a "yes" or "no." Jesus uses examples and comparisons so that, the person who asks, draw his own conclusions. First, the path to eternal life is narrow; It means that he claims effort, attention and perseverance. Second, the possibility of entering is for everyone, there are no privileges. That is why "there are last that will be first and first that will be last."
The letter to the Hebrews leaves us with this reflection on the problems and difficulties of life. Certainly no one likes correction, but they help us not to lose our way. Our trials and difficulties serve to train and strengthen us in faith.