The Narrow Gate

Homily for Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

St. Paul tells us that we are not alone in our struggles. The Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. In other words, God knows what we need before we even ask. The Holy Spirit never leaves us alone. The mystery of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in each baptized person is something that we will never completely understand in this life. However, our faith teaches us that the body of Christ is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

We need not fear abandonment. Life can challenge our faith in God’s presence within us. But as Psalm 13 proclaims, when life challenges us, we need to place our hope in God. As the theme of this Holy Year reminds us, we are engaged in the pilgrimage of hope. If we call out to the Lord, we will be heard.

At the same time, we must realize that our salvation is not automatic. Our faith teaches us that we must struggle when doubts overcome us. We must humbly remind ourselves that we are not in control. As I mentioned this past Sunday, humility is the ladder to heaven, the letter to salvation. We cannot afford to be complacent; but, as the Gospel text for today reminds us, we must approach through the narrow gate. This takes spiritual strength. The way through the narrow gate is an active prayer life, a life of sacrifices, and the desire to live every moment as if our salvation depended upon it. Yes, there will be failures along the way. However, if we are honest and loyal and obedient, nothing can impede our journey to heaven.

The Eucharist can supply the necessary graces that we need to remain spiritually strong. God nourishes us through this Sacrament, and reminds us that the one who eats and drinks the Body and Blood of Jesus will find eternal life.