Active Membership Pillar: Regular Financial Support of the Parish

In this Sunday’s Gospel from Luke, Jesus is asked, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He responds not with a number, but with a challenge: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate.” This passage is a directive that faith must be lived, not just professed. Jesus warns that it is not enough to be merely familiar with Him or to assume salvation based on association or status. The door to the Kingdom requires living a life of authentic discipleship.

This Gospel also contains hope, especially for the poor and marginalized. It is a message of deep consolation. God's mercy is not limited by earthly status. Those often excluded from the world are rich in faith because they depend on God’s mercy.

As Catholics, we understand that salvation is a gift offered to all, but it demands a response. The “narrow gate” symbolizes the difficult, but grace-filled path of discipleship—one that involves prayer, sacraments, charity, and fidelity to Christ. Material possessions have a way of weighing us down and making it difficult to enter through the narrow gate. When not only are our needs met, but we enjoy abundance, we may slip into relying more on ourselves than God. We all are called to repent and rely on His mercy.

As faithful parishioners, we are encouraged to support the Church’s mission, each according to our means. Giving, even modestly, expresses gratitude to God, supports the sacraments and charitable works, and unites the giver with the broader Body of Christ in service and sacrifice. In doing so, we strive together through the narrow gate toward eternal life.