The Gospel according to Matthew (7:6,12-14)
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine,
lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.
“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.
This is the Law and the Prophets.
“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.”
Reflection:
Today’s Gospel’s most well-known verse is what we refer to as the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12). Today, though, I wanted to reflect on the last sentence about how narrow the gate is that leads to life and that those who find it are few.
In a way, it’s a sad statement. It runs counter to my own thinking of the amazing mercy of God in which God calls us all to His Kingdom and does all He can to bring us to that Kingdom. But, getting to that Kingdom isn’t something that happens to us by default. We have to actively seek that Kingdom in our thoughts, words and actions. Perhaps that’s what Jesus is referring to here. All are definitely called to God’s Kingdom, but it is (sadly) few who seek it by their lives.
God gives us the map of how to walk close to Him through the Ten Commandments, the two Great Commandments, and of the Sacraments left us by Jesus. May we all see this Gospel today as a reminder that we can’t take our salvation for granted, but instead, be thankful that we are called to be God’s children, and have the desire that all people have the opportunity to hear the Gospel and know that they, too, are loved completely by the God who created them.
May God help each of us to stay on the path that leads to life, and to call everyone to that same path of light, love and peace by our words, thoughts and actions today and every day of our lives.
Action for the Day:
There are so many in the world who haven’t heard the Good News. Pray for those who are called to share the Gospel that they have the gifts of the Holy Spirit and shine the light of love and peace to all whom they meet.
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