We know from St. Paul’s First Letter to Timothy that God desires that all be saved (1 Tim 2:4).  It is Paul’s way of telling that the call to salvation is offered to everyone; it echoes the message of today’s first reading from the Prophet Isaiah. We already know that is God’s desire, and yet we sometimes have the same question asked in the Gospel: “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” Jesus’ response does nothing to comfort the questioner: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” 

Scripture doesn’t tell us what is in the background of the one who asked the question. But what about us? Why are we asking? Maybe we have the same worries as they did more than 2,000 years ago. Perhaps we are worried about family members and friends gone astray. Folks who are no longer active in their faith; folks holding views on issues such as birth control, divorce and remarriage and others at the intersection of the Church and the modern world. People who have works of mercy but are without faith, will they be saved?