The Gospel warns us that God's path is not an easy one. Today's homily even pointed out the seeming discrepancy between Jesus' messages. Just a few weeks ago, He said to knock and the door will be opened for you, but in today's parable the people are knocking and are turned away, left to wail and grind their teeth. Our priest emphasized that the difference is in the relationship we have with God. If we are open to God, He is open to us. However, if we think that it's enough to merely be God's acquaintance, He will turn us away.
I need to do more than just go through the motions of my faith. I need to work better at building a meaningful relationship with our God. I need to do so not out of fear of being left behind, but because I want to return in my own small way the tremendous love that continually surrounds me.