The Narrow Gate and Being Saved

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirtieth Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 13:22-30*

*First Reading :Eph 6:1-9*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 13cd-14*

*The Narrow Gate and Being Saved*

*1) Two realities*

The Gospel of the day had two important realities, which are very necessary to our life 

Jesus speaks about narrow gate when some one asked about how many will be saved? 

Jesus shows that narrow gate is the only way through which one can be saved 

So what is this narrow way? 

*2) Various meanings for the Narrow gate*

From the life of Jesus one can conclude that these things come under the preview of Narrow gate. 

*The Cross* The way of the cross comes under the narrow gate. One has to really struggle to pass through this way 

*The Service* The way of service falls under narrow gate. Because it is thankless job and one has to work without any returns

*The Humility*  The way of humility can pass only through the narrow gate. Humility is a great virtue, which makes us to pass through the narrow gate 

*The sacrifice* The way of the sacrifice, once again, passes through the narrow gate. It has tremendous impact on our life 

*The Hard work* This is another aspect which passes through the narrow gate. Hard work involves sincerity and appreciation

*Prayer life* Once again the prayer life is the door which opens and closes the door of the narrow gate 

*Helping the needy* another way through which we can pass through the narrow gate is helping the most needy people 

*Conversion* The way of changing ones life or conversion of life passes through the way of narrow gate 

All these are various explanation for narrow gate 

*3) Deeper meaning of narrow gate*

Narrow gate is not only the physical structure of the gate 

Narrow gate has deeper meaning. It is very much applicable to thr Christian life and also to live a Fruitful life in the society 

Deeper meaning really challenges us to accept the narrow gate and the need of passing through it 

*4) Benefits of Narrow gate*

All the time one has to be alert 

Narrow gate allows a person to enter into the new life holiness and to live according to its standards

Narrow gate leads to the right path 

Christian life can pass only though the narrow path

Am I ready to go though the narrow path? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*