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https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102925.cfm

A while back I had been doing some hiking with my wife and the path was pretty generous and allowed us to walk side by side. Occasionally, however, the path would become more narrow and we would have to walk single file along the path. I remember having read today's Gospel that day and I considered Jesus' words in a whole new light.

The question posed to Jesus in today's Gospel is not about 'is it hard to enter' it is about quantity. Will many enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus' answer is that it takes strength, it takes knowing him, and it takes patience (you might have to be last, even if you are used to being first). I imagine a crowd having to walk in single file.

Our journey with Jesus does not allow us to just flow with the crowd and get it. At some point, we will have to enter the gate single-file. Jesus is the gate. He literally tells us this. We can't be part of a crowd that says 'you taught in our streets' or if this is clearer 'your Gospel was read in our church'. News flash: going to church every Sunday does not get you in - even if you listen to the preaching. At some point, you have to be one on one with The Gate. The Gate requires some strength to open. How much strength "be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect." For many of us, this feels like a non-starter - unless we ask for Jesus' help. He is like the massive bouncer at the door. We aren't going to get in unless He lets us in. We have to acknowledge that. In this moment of admitting our weakness we discover our strength - Jesus.

Many who are last are used to counting on Jesus - he's all they have. They are ready to enter the gate because they have been relying on Him all along. The proud, however, will continue to try to earn their way in, convinced of their own goodness, convinced of their ability to master all that life throws at them. These 'many' will attempt to enter, but will not be strong enough, because they are not perfect as the Father is perfect. They can't be that on their own. They will try to make friendships and connections as they do to navigate many of life's obstacles and say to the bouncer: well I know so-and-so and He will say. I don't know you and you don't know me.

It is a narrow way. Get to know Jesus deeply. Share all of your challenges with Him. Open up your heart to Him and in the quiet moments say:

"See it all, Lord. See every single thought, intention and desire. I know that you already know what's in my heart, but I invite you in today to do something about it. I invite you to bring your consolation, your forgiveness, your understanding and your healing to all that ails me. I invite you to see every good thing that I cherish and I acknowledge that ALL of it comes from you. I invite you to know my heart so that you will recognize it when I come to that narrow gate."

NOTE: On the second and fourth Sunday of each month, I share a view of the Christian Life through the lens of Jesus' life here on earth called: way | truth | life. It is a lens that will forever change the way you feel about Jesus about Church and about Worship. www.smmpgh.org/wtl

I am also starting TONIGHT at Cadence Clubhouse, a weekly Bible study where we will delve into the historical/ cultural world of the Sunday readings so that we can connect them to our experiences of life. You've never studied scripture like this before.