THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time, 2023

Gen 13:2, 5-18

Ps 15

Matt 7:6, 12-14

Enter through the Narrow Gate

In using the image of entering by the narrow gate in this morning’s gospel reading (Mt 7:6, 12-14) Jesus is suggesting that the way of life he has set before his disciples is difficult and challenging. Entering through a narrow gate requires a clear focus and a certain concentration of effort. 

Jesus is also suggesting that his way will often run counter to the way taken by the great majority. The call of the gospel, in that sense, will often be experienced as a counter to the prevailing culture. For that reason, it will require a conscious decision on our part. The way of the Lord, with all it entails, is a way that needs to be chosen. That choice is always a response to a call, the Lord’s call, but it remains a human choice. We may have been baptized into this way of the Lord as infants but as we go through life we have to choose this way for ourselves. Every day we have to choose to go through the narrow gate, to take the Lord’s way. Although the gate is narrow and the way may be difficult, Jesus assures us in the last line of the gospel reading that his way is the way that leads to life. 

It not only leads to life beyond this earthly life, eternal life, but it leads to life here and now. As Paul says in his second letter to the Corinthians, ‘Now is the day of salvation’.

Let us pray: Almighty ever living God, help me choose right and stand by you even if everyone else prefers to do what is wrong. Amen.

+Remain blessed!