The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

For many years my family and I, along with my brother and sisters families took an annual trip to New Hampshire to hike the White Mountains, specifically the Presidential Mountain Range. Year after year we would hike a different mountain and always find a new attraction in the area to explore.

One particular year we made our way to Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves. At Lost River Gorge you have an opportunity to see some great waterfalls and gorges as well as climb your way through many different and challenging boulder caves. I can remember coming across a cave called “The Lemon Squeezer”, two large wrap around boulders with a very small space in between the two to squeeze through and get to the other side.

Upon my first look, I thought oh no problem I can make it through that very narrow space, it may just be a bit challenging. As I made my way through I was immediately uncomfortable and somewhat claustrophobic. The boulders felt as if they were closing in on me and it was definitely a tight squeeze. Some of my family who had gone on ahead of me were cheering me on and encouraging me to keep going and persevere, I was striving  to get out on the other side. I remember thinking and saying aloud, “it’s a tight squeeze, there has got to be an easier way to get through.” I realized that there was not, so I backed up and decided the “Lemon Squeezer” was not for me, it wasn’t worth it. I took the long way around on the boardwalk and met my family there. “You took the easy way out” they said, and I had to agree with them. I was not focused or determined and quick and easy seemed best even though I missed all that they experienced.

In Sunday’s Gospel Jesus is asked “Lord, will only a few be saved?” Jesus answers: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” Jesus tells us that the “gate” to salvation, to unconditional love and eternal life, the gate to our Father is narrow and requires effort and determination, just like the “Lemon Squeezer”. Strive is the key word in His answer, we must not procrastinate, we must put in the maximum effort to get through that gate. In other words we are invited each day to walk through that narrow gate and be with the Lord. It is an invitation that requires a daily response from us. It is not enough for us to just show up. It is not enough for us to sit in the pews at Mass every Sunday, we must be committed and strive to live a holy Catholic life each and every day!

No one can come to the Father except through Jesus. Living this Catholic Christian life is not always easy, but it is always worth it! As we walk this journey of faith we need to understand that we cannot be like I was at the “Lemon Squeezer”, changing my mind and deciding that the easier route was the best route. I was not focused or determined to get through, I did not make a conscientious deliberate effort, because I did not feel it was worth my time.

Jesus reminds us that this life of faith requires us to do some work. He asks us for our yes not just once at our Baptism or even at our Confirmation, but every day. He also lets us know that entering through the narrow gate is the only way to get where we want to go, where He asks us to go, to be with Him, to live our best life. Let’s all be determined and strive to be focused each day in our faith, to pray and push through that gate and end up in the arms of love!