Colossians 1:21-23 / Luke 6:1-5
As much as heaven is a reality for us, let us not forget that hell is also a reality.
And as much as we are promised eternal salvation and the inheritance of heaven, the dark lurking shadows of damnation and eternal punishment of hell must not be ignored
Jesus warned us :“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Mt 7:13-14)
"Only a few find it". Jesus is certainly serious when He said that. And if that doesn't jolt us, then St. Paul would reiterate it when he says "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12)
Even St. Paul would say this of himself: I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. (1 Cor 9:27)
In the 1st reading, St. Paul tells the Colossians: Now you are able to appear before Him holy, pure and blameless - as long as you persevere and stand firm on the solid base of the faith, never letting yourselves drift away from the hope promised by the Good News.
So as much as we are promised salvation and we should be heading for heaven, let us not take it for granted and become slack.
The devil will work on our indifference for we might just slide down the broad road and slip into the wide gate of destruction.
Let us stand firm on the solid base of faith and work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Jesus is our Saviour and Master. Let us heed His warnings and do as He tells us as we put our salvation into His hands.