How many will be saved? While some focus on questions about who goes to Heaven or Hell, Jesus reminds us to focus on our relationship with God. Brendan Gottshall, SJ, reflects in this week’s One-Minute Homily. Based on the readings for Sunday, August 21, 2022.
Ever wonder how many people are in Hell?
Hi, I’m Brendan Gottschall, and this is my One-Minute reflection.
One of my theology professors likes to say that how many people you think are in Hell will reveal a lot about how you think about God.
In the Gospel today, someone asks Jesus basically this question. “Will only a few people be saved?” Jesus’ response is typically indirect. He is not answering a theological question about Hell or what God is like. Rather, he encourages us to remain faithful to God.
He gives some startling images for what might happen to those who turn away from God, but also a radically inclusive vision of the divine banquet: “People will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God.”
Jesus shows that the population of Hell is not of primary concern, rather he wants us to be focused on our own relationship with God.
