The Narrow Gate

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

~~Isaiah 66:18-21~~Psalm 117~~Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13~~Luke 13:22-30~~

 

Jesus is the way, the truth, the life, the light, the vine, the shepherd,

and today we are presented with the narrow gate and the door.

 

“Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.’
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.

 

To me these are such harsh words.

It is disappointing to think that at the end of your life you could find

yourself standing before the wrong door.

 

I believe the path to the narrow gate is wrought with obstacles.

Before you can pass through this narrow gate you must first reach it;

furthermore you must know it even exists.

 

I pray to have the stamina to continue on this path to the narrow gate.

I pray to be able to forge ahead in the face of temptations.

I pray to have the grace to avoid that which

would lead me on a misguided detour.

 

Jesus says many will attempt to enter this gate

 but not be strong enough...

Why will some not be strong enough?

 

Is it really easier to give in to sin

than to keep our eyes fixed of Jesus?

Apparently that is the case now and was even

 in the time of Jesus.

 

Perhaps we will not be strong enough to open the gate

 even if we find it.

Oh what a shame that would be.

 

Is this gate of heavy ornamental ironwork

or is it carved from the finest wood?

Why is it difficult to pass through?

Will it be locked? Will I need to have the key?

Of course Jesus does and always has had these answers.

 

I must strive to remain near to him so that I do have the required

 strength to pass through his gate.

 

 

Once through the gate apparently we are not yet home free.

Then we must get to the house only to find the door is closed and locked.

Really? After making it through the gate

there will be another challenge to overcome.

 

I pray that I will not be too weary from getting through the gate

 by the time I reach the door.

As I call out to Jesus from outside the locked door will he hear me?

Will he recognize me, as one he so wonderfully made?

The one he made in his image is asking to come inside...to come home.

 

I pray that I will not hear the words echoing from the closed door...

'I do not know where you are from.'

 

But Lord I beg you to let your child into your house.

I want to come home. I want to be with you.

 

Blessings in striving to pass through the narrow gate.

Never give up...trust in the Lord.

He will lead the way.

...for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines...