30th Week in Ordinary Time 2025 - Wednesday - How many will be saved? (school mass)

 

Last week, I was able to visit the kindergarten, first grade, third grade, fifth grade, and seventh grade, and I was able to share a bit about my priestly calling—how I discerned and came to know that God was calling to me to be a priest.

In the first reading today, St. Paul talks about our calling—how each one of us are called to particular purpose. Each one of us, every single one of us here, every person ever born has purpose—a God-given purpose.

On one hand, we all have the same purpose—God gave us life—so that we might become holy and live with him for ever. Why did God make you? “God made you to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him forever in heaven.” Next time I visit the classrooms, I might ask, you to repeat that answer: “Why did God make you? “God made you to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him forever in heaven.”

In the Gospel, Jesus is asked a question, that very much relates to the purpose for which we are made. Jesus is asked, “how many people will be saved?” “How many people will fulfill that purpose for which they were made? How many people will choose to seek to know God, love God, and serve God, and come to that place prepared for them, so that they can be happy forever?” What’s the number? Of all the humans from the beginning of time to the end of time will fulfill the purpose for which they were made?

And notice, Jesus did not give a number. He didn’t say, oh, about half, or 99% or 1%. How did he answer? “Strive to enter the narrow gate. For many won’t make it, so make sure you do”

Many will be lost. Many will fail to fulfill their purpose. Many will fail to get to heaven. Why? Because they choose not to strive to get there.

So, make sure you do. Make sure you seek to know God, love God, and serve God as well as you possibly can.

Again this is why we have a Catholic school, this is why we have Catholic parishes, so that souls like you and me can come to discover how God is calling each of us to be holy. May we make good use of the time we have been given, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.