Today we are reminded of three things:

1.  Heaven exists

2.  Hell exists

3.  We have to do our part to get to heaven.

Jesus taught us to go through the narrow gate, what does  the narrow gate means!  In ancient times cities were protected by a main gate through which passed material goods, supplies, etc.

In addition, to the main gate there two “narrow” gates through which a man or woman could pass but without anything.

Jesus wants us to know that the worldly things we acquire here on earth stay here when we die.  Nothing we amass except our good deeds will go.

Hopefully our heart and soul will be filled to overflowing with good deeds when we meet our maker.

Remember when you receive the Eucharist – you are carrying the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings, in your being.  Let Jesus live in your heart with the joy and the comfort afforded a best friend.

The “narrow gate” that Jesus tells us about is realizing that life is not about us accumulating stuff, it is about us finding God!  The “narrow gate” is about us realizing our littleness before God, yet realizing God’s immense love for us.

The “narrow gate’ demands total commitment, unconditional forgiveness, selflessness, and sacrifice.

The gift of God’s love gives us the opportunity to enter through the “narrow gate” into God’s eternal banquet!

Teihard de Chardin said, “We are not human beings on a spiritual journey, we are spiritual beings on a human journey.”  Luke reminds us our lives here are temporary, we are pilgrims on a journey to eternity.

If you were to decide to run a marathon and someone gave you sneakers, running shorts, a shirt and a training regimen.  You must train - the more closely & faithfully you train – the better you will do in the marathon.

de Sales said, “You make spiritual progress by continually beginning again and again.” (Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales, p.238)

The Greek word for “strive” means – supreme effort!  Jesus calls us to give our best effort our supreme effort, in following Him!

Take a moment to think about your efforts as a follower of Jesus Christ.  Are you giving Jesus your best effort, are you striving to enter through the “narrow” gate?

May God Be Blessed!