Enter through the narrow gate

Readings: 1^st: 2 Reyes 19:9-11.14-21.31-35.36; Ps: 48; Gos: Mt 7:6.12-14

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today is Tuesday of the twelfth week of ordinary time. Today, Christ presents us three very important precepts.

Honestly, this first precept or saying of Christ sounds strange to our sensibility in the way we understand words and things in general today. This is because, it may present a true problem.

This is a way of talking in a Semitic language. At the time of Jesus, and in ancient culture, dogs and pigs were not greatly appreciated because they were considered to be savage and wild.

However, from a positive perspective, it is Christ’s invitation to us to apply prudence and discernment in our daily life and mission.

In Matthew’s Gospel, the pearl is the image of the kingdom of God. Hence, Christ seems to be saying the its no use wasting one’s time offering it to those who obstinately do not value it.

Today’s second precept is a very popular one among us called the “golden rule:” “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.” This is a call to wake up our conscience.

Of course, none of us would wish himself any evil. None of us hates himself. We all try to take care of ourselves. So, Christ tell us that we should neither hate or wish others

Christ summarized this with the horizontal aspect of of the commandment of love: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mk 12:31).

Finally, Christ gave us a very important advice: “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.

The word of Jesus is not only something to be understood and to be interpreted, rather it is life, for all who take it seriously.

So, in this last discourse, Christ laid down the principles of eternal life for us. However, only the wise make the right decision and follow that path the leads to life.

So, let us ask Christ to make us wise, so that we may make the right choice.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!