the narrow gate

A disturbing gospel today, what with its wailing and grinding of teeth imagery. Especially disturbing for those of us who are banking on cheap grace and universal salvation:

. . . Someone asked him,
“Lord, will only a few people be saved?”
He answered them,
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.’
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.
And you will say,
‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’
Then he will say to you,
‘I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!’
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth . . .

Luke 13:22-30

Not to worry, however. Our preacher explained who those people are who get locked out. They're the people who leave mass immediately after communion. Whew, that's a load of my mind, I can tell you!

PS. "The first person to leave mass early was Judas Iscariot. Therefore, people who leave after communion are followers of Judas, not Jesus."