In addition to other disastrous consequences, original sin bore the bitter fruit of the subsequent division of mankind. Pride and selfishness, which are rooted in the original sin, are the deepest cause of hatred, loneliness and divisions. Redemption, on the other hand, would bring about true union through the charity of Jesus Christ, which makes us children of God and brothers and sisters of others. The Lord, through his redeeming love, becomes the center of all men. This is what the Prophet Isaiah foretold, and we read it today in the First Reading of the Mass: I will come to gather the nations of every language: they will come to see my glory. The Gentiles themselves, those who have never heard my fame or seen my glory, will become messengers of the Lord and will proclaim my glory to the nations. And from all countries, as an offering to the Lord, they shall bring all your brethren on horses and in chariots and in litters, on mules and dromedaries, to my holy mountain of Jerusalem," says the Lord, "as the Israelites, in pure vessels, bring offerings to the temple of the Lord. It is a great call to faith and to the salvation of all peoples, without distinction of language, condition or race. This prophecy will take place with the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
In the Gospel , St. Luke records Jesus' answer to one who asked him, while they were on their way to Jerusalem: Lord, are there few who are saved? Jesus did not want to answer directly. The Master goes beyond the question and focuses on the essential: they ask Him about the number, and He answers about the way: enter by the narrow gate.... And then He teaches that to enter the Kingdom - the only thing that really matters - it is not enough to belong to the Chosen People or to have false confidence in Him. Then you will begin to say: we have eaten and drunk with you, and you have taught in our marketplaces. And He will say to you: I do not know where you are from; depart from Me..... These divine privileges are not enough; a faith with works is necessary, to which we have all been called.
All men have a vocation to go to Heaven, the definitive Kingdom of Christ. This is what we were born for, because God wants all men to be saved3. When Christ died on the Cross, the veil of the Temple was torn in the middle4 , a sign that the separation between Jews and Gentiles was over5. From then on, all men are called to be part of the Church, the new People of God, which, "while remaining one and unique, must extend to the whole world and to all times, so as to fulfill the plan of God's will, who at first created a human nature and then determined to gather into one people his children who were scattered abroad".
The Second Reading points out our mission in this universal task of salvation: strengthen the weak hands, strengthen the wavering knees, and make straight steps with your feet, so that the lame limbs do not become lame, but rather are healed. It is a call to be exemplary in order to strengthen, by our conduct and our charity, those who feel weaker and with little strength. Many will lean on us; others will understand that the narrow road that leads to Heaven becomes a wide path for those who love Christ.