On the straight and narrow path, there are simply no corners to be cut.

Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one but that does not mean that it is the path to avoid, only that doing the right thing can be difficult. It requires less effort to steal from your neighbor than to get a job and work to earn what you want but that doesn't mean that you steal from your neighbors just because it is easier. When you work hard and sacrifice to reach your goals and stay on the right path the sense of accomplishment and pride that you will find at the end of this path can not be achieved if you chose an easier path just to avoid hardship. It is human nature to value something more when it required an effort from you to get, and when you choose the right path even though it is harder you will appreciate where you end up even more……..

Gospel Text: (MT 7:6, 12-14)

Jesus said to his disciples:

"Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine,

lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.

"Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.

This is the Law and the Prophets.

"Enter through the narrow gate;

for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction,

and those who enter through it are many.

How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life.

And those who find it are few."

Jesus urges us “to enter through the narrow gate.” He calls us to strive continually to live the life to which he calls us, a life that entails dying. Dying to self and rising to life in Christ. The process leads to life just as Jesus’ dying on the cross lead to the resurrection. Modeling our lives on Jesus entails carrying His cross. Entering the city through this “narrow gate” leads to safety, to protection, to peace — indeed, to life.

The words that many will try to enter and fail are troubling. What percentage? How many? Nowadays, we like exact statistics. Jesus doesn't say, but we get the impression that it will be more than a few. The possibility of failure is very real. Who will fail? Probably, people who don't take him seriously; people who don't try hard enough; people who love something more than they love Jesus. In other word, sadly, lots of people will fail.

Dear Jesus, your words are troubling to me. I see how often I fail in what I know I should be doing for you. I see that I cannot reliably guide myself in this matter. Send your Holy Spirit to help me open my eyes to see if I am falling short.

Help me to enter by the narrow gate.