Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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As we hear news of immigrants fleeing their home countries out of fear or poverty in search for sanctuary elsewhere, often being rejected and turned away, we must remember that we are all immigrants. Each one of us is migrating from this world to the next world. We are on an incredible journey from conception to death to after-death. We will be looking for sanctuary too someday. We all pray to find a welcome in God’s home, knowing that as we treat others, God will treat us.
In today’s Gospel, the Lord uses an image that gives us pause. As part of our journey, we will encounter a border with a gate that we must pass through in order to enter into the new land of salvation. It is a narrow gate, and, Jesus says, not all will be able to pass through it.
This narrow gate is locked, but the Master has the ability to open it. He does not open it to just anyone, not even to those who called out his name while on earth. Having a superficial relationship with the Lord does not impress the gatekeeper. To know the name of Jesus is not the same as knowing Jesus.
So, what is this “narrow gate” that Jesus tells us that we must strive to enter? In other places of scripture Jesus himself gives the answer, “I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved” (John 10:9). He also says in many places “Follow me.” He is the one who will lead us to our permanent home.
The narrow door consists in walking with Jesus in a relationship with him, following him, listening to him, and obeying him. It requires trust. We come to know Jesus present in the Word, the sacraments, and His Church. Going through the narrow door requires faith in Jesus; it requires service to those in need (who are images of Christ crucified); it requires participation in the sacraments, reading scripture, being receptive to the graces they provide; it requires contrition for sins and thanksgiving for God’s goodness. It requires constant prayer. It requires us to be as welcoming of others as we hope to be welcomed by God. Going through the narrow gate means emptying ourselves so that our egos are skinny enough to allow God’s power to pull us through. It requires giving our lives to the Master — and not trying to become master of our own lives, or the master of others.
In the end, giving us much hope, Jesus describes a heaven that is full of saved souls who have come from every corner of the earth. What is impossible for us, is very possible for God. He can provide for all who come to him with open hearts and hungering souls.
May the Lord let us cross over the border to the new country that we are seeking — the Kingdom of God.
Have a blessed week everyone.