Being born in a family of faith

Now it happened that on a Sabbath day he had gone to share a meal in the house of one of the leading Pharisees; and they watched him closely. He then told the guests a parable, because he had noticed how they picked the places of honour. He said this, 'When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take your seat in the place of honour. A more distinguished person than you may have been invited, and the person who invited you both may come and say, "Give up your place to this man." And then, to your embarrassment, you will have to go and take the lowest place. No; when you are a guest, make your way to the lowest place and sit there, so that, when your host comes, he may say, "My friend, move up higher." Then, everyone with you at the table will see you honoured. For everyone who raises himself up will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be raised up.'  (Luke 14: 1.7-11)

Jesus tells his listeners that our particular judgment will be done by God. God will judge us not by our appearances but by our hearts when deciding our place in the Kingdom of Heaven. Obviously, it is easier to follow God's will from a young age if we have had the grace of being born into a family of faith. If we have had this grace, we should not judge others just because they do not believe in God and feel superior to them. On the contrary, we should pray for their repentance, knowing that there will be more celebration in Heaven for one repentant sinner than for ninety-nine righteous persons who feel no need to convert.