Accidents on the Broad Road

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twelfth Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 7:6, 12-14*

*First Reading : 2 Kgs 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36*

*Accidents on the Broad Road*

*1) Reality of life - broad road and accidents*

In today's Gospel Jesus speaks about the broad road and the accidents 

It is our experience that highest amount of accidents are taking place in the broad highways and not on the narrow roads 

So what Jesus says in today's Gospel is hundred percent true *the road broad that leads to destruction*

*2) Reasons for the Accidents*

First of all there are many vehicles on the highway. Jesus says *those who enter through it (broad road) are many*. So there are many chances of accidents 

Secondly the temptation to go fast, leads to accidents 

Thirdly, the wrong perception that, 

*Nothing happens in the broad road,

*One can easily manage on the broad road 

*Everything is visible. So one need not worry. Even at the last moment one can manage 

*Temptation to reach fast 

*The feeling of easy and comfortable journey

*An attitude of carelessness, because of the good roads 

All these things finally lead to cause accidents on the highway 

*3) Advantage of Narrow Road*

Less traffic, since only few people travel

Things are not very clear. Always there is a suspense. So one is very careful and attentive while driving 

There are many deep curves. One has to pay a special attention while driving on the narrow road and especially on these curves 

Journey is slow on the narrow road, but there is a better guarantee to reach the destination

Narrow roads are not very smooth. Often they are rough roads. One needs lots of patience and concentration while driving on the narrow road. Otherwise one can't drive 

Needs a special expertise to drive on the narrow road 

*4) Spiritual travel on the broad and Narrow roads*

Jesus compares the ordinary experience of life to our spiritual journey 

Jesus speaks about the spiritual journey on the broad road and on the narrow road 

The above mentioned points are very well applicable to the spiritual journey 

Spiritual journey on the broad road is not successful. Rather the broad road does not support the spiritual journey in it 

On the other hand, narrow road is the proper way for spiritual journey 

A journey which is undertaken in the narrow road will lead to the destination 

*5) The examples of Broad and Narrow road*

Exaples of Broad road

Journey accompanied by 

Material things 

Power and money 

Position 

Ego and arrogance

Bodily pleasures 

Wealth 

Greed and selfishness

Revengeful attitude

Examples of Narrow Road

Journey accompanied by 

Prayers, service, generosity, simplicity, faithfulness, forgiveness, sharing, moral values, Gospel values, hardwork, sincerity 

*6) Road of my life's Journey*

Which road do I follow in my life? 

Narrow road leads to, eternal life 

Broad road, leads to destruction of ones life 

Broad road is easy and comfortable but very risky and dangerous

Broad road is difficult and challenging, but safe, which leads to destiny

If so, which is my road,in life's Journey? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*