Sunday, August 26, 2007

Narrow Gate

And he went through the cities and towns teaching, and making his journey to Jerusalem. And a certain man said to him: Lord, are they few that are saved? But he said to them: Strive to enter by the narrow gate; for many, I say to you, shall seek to enter, and shall not be able. But when the master of the house shall be gone in, and shall shut the door, you shall begin to stand without, and knock at the door, saying: Lord, open to us. And he answering, shall say to you: I know you not, whence you are.

Then you shall begin to say: We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. And he shall say to you: I know you not, whence you are: depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you shall see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. And there shall come from the east and the west, and the north and the south; and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And behold, they are last that shall be first; and they are first that shall be last

Luke 13:22-30 (Douay-Rheims)

Prayer

Dear Father I remember as a child when playing how I've attempted to squeeze myself into a narrow opening to get into an area to play. I remember how hard it was and recall the joy of succeeding into a room full of stored goodies. The struggle alone was not fun at all, nor the pain from scratches, but it all was soon forgotten when I entered the area that I sought to go. This can also be said from those who give birth, the pain is soon forgotten upon seeing the life of a little one. These little instances bring to mind your kingdom dear Father and how we struggle to to gain entrance. How the path that I or we walk is not always clear but sometimes has obstacles to keep us on our toes. I know how difficult it is to walk the walk of faith and keep the love in our heart when strife and obstacles can often have us detour on an easier path. All too often this is where we fail. It is in the choice we make as we continue on our journeys. The choice to continue to follow the narrow path that leads to the narrow gate, will lead us to the kingdom of God. But along the way let us not make that detour that takes us away from you dear Father. May we strive to always keep our faith and love for God first in our lives, even when it seems impossible. Our reward in our faithfulness is peace, love and joy that only our Lord God can only give us. I pray to always keep my feet upon the path that keeps me ever close to you dear Father and many others do so also. Amen

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