12th Week in Ordinary Time
How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. (Matthew 7:14)
In C. S. Lewis’ book The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, a young girl named Lucy stumbles into a big wardrobe crowded with fur coats. She scrambles to the back of it, only to find that she has stepped into the land of Narnia. As she is about to enter this new land, Lucy looks back for a moment and considers returning to the safety of the wardrobe. Narnia is a strange place, and she is alone. Should she really be doing this?
Lucy decides to keep moving forward instead of back, and it makes a huge difference in her life. Not only does she meet new friends, but her courage and character are tested through dangerous adventures, and she grows in maturity and wisdom.
We might feel a similar hesitation at different points in our spiritual journey. The path of repentance, for instance, can be narrow, and we won’t always see a lot of other people walking it. The same is true when it comes to purity or compassion or generosity. We see the risks involved, and we fear that it will be too costly. We may sense that it will test our courage and character, but we don’t know exactly how—or how much. Like Lucy, we ask if we really should stay on this “narrow” and “constricted” road (Matthew 7:14).
But this is the road that leads to life—both now and forever! Yes, it can be difficult at times. Yes, it is costly. And no, it doesn’t guarantee a problem-free life. But Jesus knows this, and still he asks you to keep moving forward. He promises to be your Savior and guide when you face obstacles or temptations along the way. He has given you his Church and the sacraments to strengthen you if you should stumble along the path. And he has given you traveling companions who can help you and encourage you when life gets difficult.
Whatever adventures (or misadventures) befall you on the path, you can be sure of one thing: Jesus is there to help you. So don’t look back. Keep looking ahead to all the blessings God has in store for you.
“Come, Holy Spirit! Help me to stay on the path that leads to life.”
Genesis 13:2, 5-18
Psalm 15:2-5
