The Narrow Door

08-14-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

Jesus is making His way toward Jerusalem, the dream of every male Jews to visit one day because it is the center of their religion; and where the Temple is. The Psalms often sing the words of Yahweh: I will set my king on Zion, my holy mountain, fairest of all the heights is the joy of all the earth. The only Temple of the Jewish religion stands on Mt. Zion in Jerusalem, and people from all over the world long to go there to worship and offer sacrifices to the one and true God. And Jesus heads to Jerusalem one day, He would sacrifice His life there.

Jesus visits many towns and villages, but, His final destination is clear to Him. Attached to our final destination is the mission in life. Hopefully, it gives direction to all we do. History is not the memorization of historical facts and names, but an instrument to better understand ourselves and the world we live in. Science is not a classroom or laboratory subject; but an instrument to better understand humanity, the environment, or the world we live in.

Permissiveness is one of the problems of the modern world. Today we are witnessing the breakdown of traditional values in favor of the more liberal ones. The collapse of faith and morals to an astonishing degree; people are confused and no longer know the meaning of existence and the purpose of life. The values of self control, sacrifice, modesty, and decency do not ring a bell with the millennials. Sometimes, it extends even to the generation before them. Jesus’ message in the Gospel is: Strive to enter the narrow door. To attain lasting fulfillment and eternal salvation. Try your best He says: for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.

The account in the Gospel of Matthew makes a parallel to this theme: 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 (Mt. 7:13). Sad to say this warning is taken lightly by many. Many choose to travel and enter through the wide road and enter the wide gate that leads to damnation. The door of instant gratification and pleasure is more appealing to many, with little regard for the future and eternal life. From time to time, we need to stop and heed the timeless warning of our Lord. And make a real effort to follow the path of righteousness set by God for us. No war is won without a battle. No race is won without running. Paraphrasing it differently, no pain, no gain. What a surprise awaits us in the heavenly home? Remember: Our successes and accomplishments are not the norms that God uses to reward us, but the interior life that seeks to do His will with utmost devotion and love for Him

The account in the Gospel of Matthew makes a parallel to this theme: 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 (Mt. 7:13). Sad to say this warning is taken lightly by many. Many choose to travel and enter through the wide road and enter the wide gate that leads to damnation. The door of instant gratification and pleasure is more appealing to many, with little regard for the future and eternal life. From time to time, we need to stop and heed the timeless warning of our Lord. And make a real effort to follow the path of righteousness set by God for us. No war is won without a battle. No race is won without running. Paraphrasing it differently, no pain no gain. What a surprise awaits us in the heavenly home? Remember: Our successes and accomplishments are not the norms that God uses to reward us, but the interior life that seeks to do His will with utmost devotion and love for Him, Jesus Christ. Grace is when God gives us good things we don't deserve; mercy is when he spares us from bad things we deserve; blessings are when the Lord generously gives us His grace and mercy.