The Narrow Gate

   

  Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

21 August 2022 

 

First Reading: Is 66:18-21

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 117:1, 2

Second Reading: Heb 12:5-7, 11-13

Gospel: Lk 13:22-30

 

Reflection

By: Grace Madrinan

 

"Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough." - Luke 13:24

I am an impatient person, contrary to what my friends are saying. When they see my output at work or in my paintings, they would wonder how I managed to get all the details, or get it done at all. They did not know that at the beginning of the task, there is a lot of struggle happenin before I even start with the first step. I complain at how difficult it is and get frustrated when the progress is slow.

I believe that is what the Gospel is telling us right now. The path to righteousness is no easy feat. If is a constant struggle to do the right thing. Only the determined will make it through the narrow path of salvation.

When it comes to doing my tasks, the one thing that determines its completion is by how much I wanted the prize of doing it. "Do I want to do this? Do I want it bad enough that it hurts just thinking I won't have it?"

Likewise, when it comes to salvation, do we want it bad enough that struggles and temporary pain becomes trivial? Are we willing to pass the narrow gate, bruised and all, just to get to the other side?

Prayer

Father God, teach us how to persevere as we pass through the narrow gate. May the thought of being with You on the other side bring us to motivation to press on. Amen.