In Matthew’s Gospel, the Lord says something similar. He says, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.”
The narrow way is one of effort rather than ease—work and toil, rather than sloth. Hesiod, the old Greek poet writes: “Wickedness can be had in abundance easily; smooth is the road, and very nigh she dwells; but in front of virtue the gods immortal have put sweat.’ When the Lord says, “strive” to enter heaven, the Greek word is agonozomai—agonize. Heaven needs to be sought with struggle and strain, like an athlete straining toward the finish line, all muscles taut and “giving his all” in the effort.
And that means the narrow way is one of discipline and self-control rather than undiscipline and indulgence. Many fail to achieve something of substance in their careers or in the earthly realm because they abandon discipline—they let themselves go. And the same is true for the spiritual life. St. Peter writes, “the end of all things is at hand, so be self-controlled and sober-minded”. St. Paul writes to Timothy, “Train yourselves for godliness”. Training requires discipline—sticking to the regiment of prayer, study and good works, when the temptations of the world beckon for our attention.
And that means the narrow way is also one of discernment rather than thoughtlessness. We must discern what is good with the help of God. Not everything that glitters is gold. Not every path leads to heaven. So we must be discerning, learning to distinguish good from evil, learning to see through the tricks and illusions of the devil and the world.
For the narrow way is also one of detachment from the works of the devil, including seeking conversion from habitual sin. Entering the narrow gate requires us to change. We are cling to habits and attitudes that have no place in heaven, and should have no place in our earthly life: our grudges, our resentments, our perversions, our fears of suffering to obtain what is good. We must let go of all that keeps us from following Christ more wholeheartedly.
With God’s help, may we strive to enter the narrow gate, through effort, discipline, discernment, detachment and the help of grace, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
- - - - - -
For the conversion of unbelievers, the sanctification of the faithful; for all hearts to be more receptive to Christ’s Gospel.
That government leaders at every level may be free of corruption and work for common good.
During this month of October may souls increase in faith, hope, and love through newfound devotion to Our Lady’s Rosary.
For those experiencing any kind of hardship or sorrow, isolation, addiction, or disease; for those overwhelmed by life’s burdens; for the grieving and the fearful.
For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish; for deceased parishioner Kenneth Casey who died last week, for all of the poor souls in purgatory.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment