XXI SUNDAY: Strive to Enter through the Narrow Gate

The poem ‘The Road Not Taken’ by Robert Frost always fascinated me. The poem ends with these lines:

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.”

I don't think people need any more explanations on this. However, I will describe the context of the poet while writing these lines. During his time in England, Frost met Edward Thomas, a writer who lived from 1912 to 1915. Frost and Thomas became close friends during their walks together. While walking together, they came to the crossroads of life that demanded both to take the decision of their departure. Frost took the decision to come to New Hampshire while Thomas planned to stay there. When Frost wrote this poem, he sent Thomas an advance copy of "The Road Not Taken" from New Hampshire in 1915. During that time, Thomas joined the military two years after reading the poem. Thomas died two years later at Arras. Frost’s decision made difference to his life.

This poem illustrates the spiritual journey of Christian life, where believers face crucial choices that shape their future. At the crossroads, Christians must decide between two paths: God's path, which leads to spiritual growth and salvation, or the world's path, which may lead to temporary pleasures but ultimately to spiritual emptiness. To understand the question of salvation posed in the Gospel let us reflect first reading and seconding.

First Reading: Isaiah 66:18-21

This passage from the Book of Isaiah focuses on God's promise to gather all nations and languages to witness His glory. The reading aligns with the overarching biblical theme of God's plan for universal salvation and reconciliation. It reflects the idea that God's covenant is not limited to Israel but extends to all humanity. They were only agent to God’s plan. This message of inclusivity and unity is echoed throughout the scriptures, emphasizing a future where diverse peoples are united in their devotion to God. This inclusivity underscores the universality of God's love and His desire for all people to experience His grace. By breaking down barriers of language, culture, and geography, the passage highlights the transformative power of God’s love and people’s faith, uniting humanity under a shared purpose of worship and divine connection.

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

God continues to save everyone who endures through faith. Christian faith is always tested through trials which is sign of God’s discipline. The second reading highlights the importance of discipline in the life of a believer. It teaches that God's discipline is a sign of His love and care, likening it to the way a parent disciplines a child. Though discipline may seem painful at the moment, it ultimately yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it. Through experiencing discipline, believers are encouraged to strengthen their faith and develop perseverance. This process of spiritual growth allows them to become more resilient and mature in their walk with God. Throughout history, many saints have exemplified the importance of spiritual discipline in their lives. St. Francis of Assisi and St. Teresa of Ávila practiced rigorous spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, and meditation, which deepened their relationship with God. Their commitment to these practices not only strengthened their faith but also served as an inspiration for others to pursue holiness and spiritual growth.

Gospel: Luke 13:22-30

While salvation is for all, spiritual discipline aids us to obtain it. The process of disciplining could be understood as a Narrow gate. As Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went, he made his way to Jerusalem. Apparently, someone asked him, He answered them,

"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,

for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter

but will not be strong enough.

This passage emphasizes the difficulty and discipline required to follow a righteous path. “We must also note that first he says the gate is narrow to teach that entrance through this gate of Christ (the beginning of the journey) involves a divestment and narrowing of the will in relation to all sensible and temporal objects by loving God more than all of them. This task belongs to the night of sense, as we have said (Cf. The Ascent of Mount Carmel, I. 13)

The narrow gate represents a journey that demands perseverance and dedication to spiritual principles. The key of this narrow gate is humility, the foundation for all other virtues, where one acknowledges their limitations and dependence on a higher power. As you enter, compassion becomes crucial, teaching you to extend kindness and understanding to others. At the end is forgiveness, where you learn to let go of grudges and embrace peace, completing the journey through the narrow gate. The three stages of spirituality could also help us to enter through narrow gate:

1. The Purgative Way

This initial stage focuses on purifying the soul from sin and attachment to worldly things. It's a time of conversion and turning away from a life of sin toward a life of virtue. Repentance is key to this stage.

2. The Illuminative Way

In this stage, the soul has developed a more stable life of virtue and is now focused on deepening its relationship with God. Virtue is key to this stage.

3. The Unitive Way

The final stage is characterized by a profound and constant awareness of God's presence, leading to a deep union with God through love. Union is key to this stage.

Reference

John of the Cross, St. 1991, The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross, Revised Edition, translated from the Spanish by Kavanaugh, K and Rodriguez, O with revisions and introductions by Kavanaugh, K, ICS Publications, Washington DC.