Entering through the narrow gate

The Jewish people were God’s chosen ones for a few thousand years before the time of Christ. Their leaders were totally focused on keeping the group “pure” by strict observance of the law. It is in this light that Jesus is asked in today’s reading, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” I would imagine that they were expecting confirmation of the “exclusive” nature of their relationship with God.

But Jesus didn’t come to confirm the status quo – he came to redefine the standard, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah – “I come to gather nations of every language; they shall come and see my glory”. This was a new reality – where salvation is meant for all. The entire world is invited to thrive in the kingdom of God – all personalities, all nationalities, all races. And from a small band of disciples – Christianity has expanded to more than 2 billion believers around the globe – a reality that’s hard to fathom. I get a sense of it every time I have the opportunity to attend Mass in a foreign country – while I can’t understand the language, by our common worship I know we’re united in Christ, so many diverse people, all experiencing the glory of God.

Christ’s willingness to be inclusive is truly a gift (especially since we are all gentiles) – but like any gift -- we can only enjoy it if we choose to accept it. And acceptance means entering through the narrow gate. What is this narrow gate? It sounds rather ominous. Quite simply, it’s living our life “in Christ”, recognizing his lordship and growing as a disciple with full, conscious, and active participation in our faith.

Simply “hanging around” is not enough – we see that quite clearly in today’s Gospel parable when the people outside the door plead, “We ate and drank in your company, and you taught in our streets.” But the Master responds with some of the coldest words in the scriptures, “I do not know where you are from.” Entering through the narrow gate means knowing the Lord and letting his love transform our lives.

How can we come to know Christ better?

• Spending time with him – in prayer, through the sacraments, and by taking time to be still and listen to what he wants us to know.
• Seeing how God is moving in our lives, realizing how much we are loved, and living with a grateful heart, and then. . .
• Blessing others as we’ve been blessed, seeking to find Christ by loving others, while letting others see Christ in us.

Serving is our way to show that we get it – understanding that living “in Christ” requires change, conversion, and putting our faith into action.

It won’t always be easy. But that’s where we need to lean on God and let his strength be our strength – allowing us to serve with a joyful heart. For when we joyfully serve – we’ll draw people to God.

Let us thank God for being inclusive and inviting us to enter through the narrow gate. Let us ask for the grace to truly know him and the courage to serve with a joyful heart, letting his glory shine through us.