The Narrow Door

Gospel: Matthew 7: 6, 12-14

In ancient times large cities typically had four large gates at the four directionals.  The large gates were intended for trading caravans bringing provisions and wares to the city, as well as for the military bringing loot and large weaponry.  In short, the wide gates were designed for large groups of people who have a great many possessions.  These were the gates of commerce, the gates of the military, and the gates of the wealthy in those days.

At the same time, cities also had narrow gates of entry, a space that was wide enough for just one person who had few possessions.  These gates were designed for individual travelers and pilgrims who packed very lightly as they went from place to place.  While the wide gates were closed at night, the narrow gates were accessible at any time day or night.  This background gives us great insight into the meaning Jesus intends for his audience.

The Way of Jesus is not the way of commerce or conquest.  It is not the way of many possessions and riches.  It is the narrow way of simplicity of life, of detachment from all things.  The Way of Jesus is the way of the Beatitudes - poverty of spirit, meekness, purity of heart, thirst for justice, peacemaking.  This is the narrow way of Jesus, not narrow minded thinking.  Today is a day for us to reflect on how we might follow this narrow way in our lives.