Who Will Enter the Kingdom?

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The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120125.cfm

In today’s homily, Fr. Daniel offers a challenging but deeply Catholic truth: salvation belongs to Christ alone, yet His grace reaches far wider than we often imagine. Jesus praises the faith of the pagan centurion, teaching that many from east and west will recline with Abraham in the Kingdom (cf. Mt 8:11). This isn’t sentimental pluralism—it’s the mystery of a God whose grace cannot be confined, even as He has entrusted the fullness of truth to His Church.

The Catechism affirms that the Church possesses the “fullness of the means of salvation” (CCC 816), yet also acknowledges that elements of truth and goodness in other religions ultimately come from Christ, the one Way, Truth, and Life (Jn 14:6). As St. John Paul II taught, actual graces can move any soul toward virtue, awakening the conscience and preparing the heart for deeper conversion.

But this does not lessen our missionary call. Every person deserves the fullness of truth—the sacraments, the Eucharist, the tender strength of Our Lady, and the saving intimacy of Jesus Christ. “Go, therefore, and make disciples” remains a command of love. And as Fr. Daniel reminds us, judgment considers not only what we have done, but what we have been given. Those who reject the Gospel after receiving much will be accountable for more.

In the end, God’s mercy is vast, but truth is not relative. Christ alone saves, Christ alone is divine, and Christ alone conquered death. Yet His grace works tirelessly—even in hidden places—to draw every heart toward Himself. May we cherish the fullness we’ve received, evangelize with zeal, and trust that God never ceases reaching for His children, from every nation, religion, and corner of the earth.

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