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.
I recall in the spiritual immaturity of my youth being concerned about the conditional aspects of the faith: how to think, speak, act, etc. As a young man I was also keenly aware of any failure on my part to meet what I perceived to be the overall expectations of the life in Christ. And so, I wondered, “What exactly is expected of me, now that I am a Christian, and how do I gain victory over the things in life with which I struggle?”
In the Gospel reading for today’s Mass, Jesus teaches us the way to perfection. Although entering through the narrow gate and staying on the straight path seems at first glance to be a daunting task, it is nevertheless the source of great personal peace and blessing.
Furthermore, Psalm 101 from the Morning Prayer sings of the “way of perfection.” The psalmist says that his is a song of kindness and justice. I think that kindness -- mercy and love -- and justice point us in the right direction as far as being able to walk in the way of perfection.
When we occupy our time with thoughts, words, and actions directed toward the service of others, the path of perfection begins to unfold. When our overall concern is mercy and justice the likelihood of failure diminishes. However, the psalmist offers practical instruction: do not look upon whatever is base; avoid the ways of the crooked, the false hearted, the slanderer, and the proud and haughty.
By being directed toward charity and justice we become a means by which Christ is visible to the world. We thus remove the emphasis from ourselves and place it entirely on the works which reveal God to others. When we are occupied in service we walk the way of perfection.
Overall, prayer holds the greatest importance in being prepared to walk in the way of perfection. When we bring our concerns to God, and when we bring our failures to him, God is sure to instruct us; he forgives our failings when we reveal all before him. He restores us through our constant communication with him. Prayer is the source of all strength, the source of peace and perfection. In my youth I learned that not all was lost when I failed. I learned to examine my conscience. I learned to pray in regard to where I failed and to seek guidance rather than taking it all on myself.
Living the faith should not be something that causes anxiety; rather, it should be the source of peace. However, from my experience and communication with others, I know there are many people, especially young adults, who have great anxiety in regard to life, and in regard to how they live the faith. In most cases we need simply to redirect ourselves toward what should be our greatest concern. Rather than being preoccupied with self, we should be oriented objectively toward the service of others, especially those who suffer, whose cries are heard in heaven. By being at the service of mercy and justice we orient ourselves toward God, who bears all perfections.
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