Last Sunday St Luke faced us with the fact that, since Jesus claims to be the way, the truth and the life, he will face opposition from those who do not accept this and that the dividing line may result in family and friends being in different camps. 

Today Our Lord goes further – picking up the theme foreshadowed by Isaiah.  Those who ostensibly share our faith may end up rejecting the truth Christ presents us with whereas those from far lands, different faiths and cultures may come to accept it.  He does not answer directly the question, “Will there be only a few saved?”  Instead he warns us against complacently presuming that we will be among the elect.  It can be a struggle even for those who have been faithful Christians all their lives to persevere in the face of suffering and death.  The dividing issue may be a direct challenge to our belief in God or faith in Christ but often it will be more subtle.  On Thursday we are invited to reflect on how St John the Baptist was beheaded because he dared to challenge King Herod Antipas over marrying Herodias his brother Philip’s wife.