“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough." (Luke 13:24)
This saying of Jesus follows some of the parables pertaining to the Kingdom of God and stresses the great effort required to enter the Kingdom. I can think of a thousand ways in which I can be directed toward a path of sin in my daily life. How easy it happens! But to walk the path of Jesus, to enter into that narrow gate, takes intentional action on my part. We must make it a point to keep our focus on Christ and walk the walk he calls us to live. It is not for the faint of heart.
There is also an urgency in this Scripture passage to accept the present opportunity to enter the narrow gate because it will not remain open forever. It is important take advantage of the present moment and accept the graces that allow us to be in the presence of Christ. One day that gate will be closed and we do not want to find ourselves outside of it. I have a habit of saying, “I will do better tomorrow” or “I will really begin to be more Christ-like starting in Lent.” Tomorrow might be too late. Let us take advantage of the present moment to conform to Christ and walk through the open gate, no matter how narrow, which he presents to us.
On another note…
Some of you who attend Mass on Sundays have noticed the presence of Orange County Sheriff Deputies on our campus and wondered if there was something happening at our parish. The sheriff deputies stop by as a courtesy to say hello and to be present to our community. With the number of disturbances at churches that have been occurring across the country, particularly on Sundays, they want to assure us of their presence and support. I am very grateful for this.
And finally, I will not be with you all this weekend because I will be away at a family wedding. Be assured of my prayers and know that I will miss you all while I am away!
God bless you all and have a blessed week!
Fr. Patrick
