The Prayer Of The Narrow Gate
I have prayed this prayer many times for I know well the gate through which You would have me come to You. How am I to pass through this gate of such narrow dimensions? Along the way the world and its trappings seem to attach themselves. It is when this happens that I feel the needed sting of Your discipline. You desire my salvation and know that I cannot pass through this gate with all of these worldly attachments. Without Your grace I am weak and am unable to walk the straight path You have set.
I continue to hear Your words: "Strive to enter through the narrow gate..."
The road just beyond the gate is also narrow and in the shape of a cross. You have walked this road yourself and it is marked with Your precious blood. You are there on the road for my strength and You await at its end in judgement. It will not be enough to say to You that I have worshiped in Your Church and received You in Your Sacraments. If those worldly attachments are still part of me, You will not recognize Your lowly creature.
My Lord, I do not want to be among those You call evildoers. I would rather be among the last and the least in this life so as to be among those in whom Your image, in which You have created us all, can be seen, and be among the first in life eternal with You.
So please, my God, in Your great love and mercy, continue to discipline this stubborn creature as she strives to accept Your invitation and command to enter through the narrow gate that will one day lead to Your Holy Mountain.
*Reflection based on readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Comments
Many chose all kinds of ways that they think will lead them to God, but never choose Jesus as the true way to God...the narrow way of choosing Christ over all other ways to God is the way since he is the truth, the way and the life, no one comes to the Father but through Jesus. Awesome reality.
Beautiful blessing.
I have chosen Jesus!
d
Heartfelt- nice to see you :)
Hugs and blessings to you both!
Thank you for your beautiful thoughts here. Please know I have been keeping you in my prayers. I tried posting a comment on your blog several times but blogger seems to be being a bit difficult about letting me do this.
Know that I pray for all my blogging buddies.
God bless you,
d
I truly admire your writing ... you express yourself so beautifully. The thoughts are expressed so clearly, giving many truths in a few words. It is a wonderful talent God gives you.
Yes, we cannot get through the gate clinging to our earthly baggage. Lovely imagery.
The message of Jesus is clear: the sacraments and prayer are not the end, but the means by which we are fortified to reach our end of holiness.
Thank you for this post.
Thank you for your kind words. May my writing always praise and please God. I am glad you enjoyed this post.