12th Week of OT 2018 - Tuesday - Two Ways, Narrow & Broad

A very early Christian text, written around the turn of the first century, known as the Didache—the teaching of the twelve Apostles—speaks of two ways: the way of life and the way of death: the very first lines of the Didache are: “There are two ways, one of life and one of death, and there is a great difference between the two ways.” 

The theme of two ways has been taken up again and again by the Saints and teachers of Our Faith throughout the centuries.  St. Paul speaks of the way of the flesh vs. the way of the spirit. 

St. Augustine, in his book City of God presents all of human history as a conflict between two cities, two types of people: the City of Man and the City of God.

The Didache, St. Paul, St. Augustine, and so many saints, echo the teaching we find in the Gospel passage today where the Lord speaks of two ways: a narrow way and a broad, wide way.

The way of the flesh, the way of death, the way of indifference to God is broad and wide, and many follow it.

The way of the spirit, the way of life, the way of faithfulness is narrow: few walk it.

If the one way leads to death, why do so many walk the road that leads to perdition? For one, they ignore the warning signs: the broken relationships, the growing inner emptiness. It’s walked by so many because it’s tempting, it’s easy. You get to be like everybody else. It takes less mental energy just to walk in the same direction as the people you see on tv. And at the same time you can believe anything you want. You can make yourself into a god. No fruit is forbidden. No heavy crosses, no penances.

There are people headed in the wrong direction that we will meet today. And the only sign-post that they are headed toward eternal perdition, might be us, walking in the opposite direction.

The way that Christians love each other, our sanctity, our integrity, it might be mocked by some, by many, but shouldn’t we be willing to be mocked, to save souls from hell?

Our vocation today is to continue to walk the narrow way that leads to life, but that includes witnessing to the truth of the Gospel, perhaps even being a stumbling block, or an object of derision for those walking the wrong way. A priest once said, we might be the only Gospel they encounter today. So may we be faithful to proclaiming it, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That Pope Francis and all bishops and clergy will help defend the Church against error, and lead her always in the pathways of truth, righteousness, and charity.

For the conversion of all those who perpetuate error or set bad Christian example for young people and those of weak faith, for those who have fallen away from the Church, and for those in mortal sin.

For the grace to spread the Word of God with clarity, patience, and courage.

For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, immigrants and refugees, victims of natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord