The Narrow Gate

Homily for the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

First of all, I want to remind you that in chapter nine of St. Luke’s Gospel, we heard that Jesus had resolutely decided that it was time for him to leave Galilee and go to Jerusalem. His hour had come, and he was ready to obey his Father’s will. Everything that appears in the Gospel after this statement must be read with that in mind. In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about what lies ahead for all of us all.

I have heard many people say that they hope they die in their sleep. I am not sure that is the way I want to die. Why not? Well, you never know where you will be when you wake up! I may be wrong, but almost everyone experiences some apprehension about dying – even people who have led a virtuous life.

Most young people are said to believe in a hell, but they don’t think anyone goes there. Many others, perhaps adults, think there is a hell, but they believe it is largely populated by their enemies. Among the old (and I am definitely part of that group) are believers who nervously wonder if hell might be populated by the likes of themselves. They, like St. Paul at some moments, consider the question of their salvation “in fear and trembling.” Jesus is asked point blank in today’s Gospel passage: “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” Typical of Jesus, he answers in a confusing way: “Try to come in through the narrow door. Many, I tell you, will try to enter and be unable. for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” That doesn’t answer the question and is not a very comforting message. Then he talks about those who are locked out by the master of the household.

We all fix our fate when we reject the truth. The passage from the Letter to the Hebrews today speaks of discipline. If this is the discipline to which the author is referring, it is difficult, despite the advice, not to lose heart. After all, what comfort is there in the prospect that we might not be saved or accepted into Christ’s heavenly kingdom? Will be among those who are gnashing and grinding their teeth?

The allusion to the narrow gate is found in Luke’s thirteenth chapter. The chapter contrasts a self-defeating hardness of heart with redemptive repentance. First of all, let’s stop and remember what St. Luke told us four chapters ago. “Jesus has resolutely determined to go to Jerusalem.” He is going there to die. So the question posed by his disciples is relevant. If they die with Jesus, will they go to heaven with him. Jesus has warned them as they made their way not to harden their hearts. Those whose faith is sterile and lifeless hurt only themselves. Those who are hypocrites fix their fate when they reject the truth. Those who hate Jesus, along with Herod, slam the door on their salvation. And those who refuse to be gathered in by Jesus - as chicks are gathered by their mother - are left to their own scattered journey.

The narrow gates of the old cities like Jerusalem were wide enough for one person at a time to get through. The gate to heaven is also wide enough to allow a person to enter. However, there is a difference. Heaven’s gate is the size of a person because it is a person. Jesus is the narrow gate, the way by which anyone can get through to the heavenly city. Remember, Jesus has told us that He is the way, the truth and the life. He has also told us that the only way to the Father is through him. Are we living in a world that follows Jesus? I will let you answer that question for yourself.

In all the debates over who and how many people will be saved, in our own wonderings about our own eternal lot, it is instructive to remember a truth that is disconcerting yet calming. We all most likely deserve a fate far less glorious than heaven. After all, would not all of us be lost without him? But through him, the narrow gate, all may enter paradise, one by one in salvation’s long procession. However, following Jesus can only be done by someone who believes and is faithful to what he or she believes.

We do not know for sure; but perhaps there was a generous wisdom far greater than we realized in that old prayer which is often said after each decade of the rosary which remembers the various mysteries of our redeemer’s life.

Dear Jesus, save us from the fires of hell. Bring all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of your mercy.

That is a prayer to the narrow gate, wide enough, however, for all to enter, even those who die in their sleep.