We are blessed to live in an era of endless choices. However, there are also as many distractions, temptations for shortcuts, and opportunities for complacency. We are naturally drawn to what is easier to do. We are drawn to decisions driven by convenience. We are drawn to options that ensure our good standing with those we respect. We are naturally drawn to paths of least resistance, the wide-open roads of life. The problem with the wide-open road is that there is plenty of room for us to drag along people who are not particularly good influences in our lives, and room for all the emotional baggage that keeps us from being fully alive, fully seen and known.
Today I was drawn to the image of the “narrow gate” Jesus mentioned in the gospel. Why is Jesus inviting us to walk through the narrow gate? After all, a narrow gate is uncomfortable. It squeezes and leaves bruises. It is difficult, sometimes lonely, and requires letting go of all the things in our lives that we have used to polish our outward persona. Getting through the narrow gate means choosing integrity when it seems inconvenient, loving when it is costly, and forgiving when it is painful. It means showing up in prayer even when words fail, trusting that the Spirit is interceding. It seems like a hard sell. It is not the well-trodden path or the easy choice. Having said that, easy paths produce no transformation and takes for granted the tough questions that help us grow.
“Narrow gates” show up in different forms in our lives – a long recovery from an illness, a search for employment, or a necessary but unpopular decision. Sometimes the narrow gate is a process of turning adversity into motivation. Personally, as a woman of color, the narrow gate is not just a metaphor for salvation or faith but a reflection of the path many tread daily in real time; a path paved with obstacles that feel unyielding, restrictive, and relentless. A path paved with the need to prove one’s worth in systems that undervalue one’s wisdom and contributions. The narrow gate symbolizes a path of purpose, one that demands strength and perseverance to navigate systemic injustices, cultural misunderstandings, deeply rooted societal biases while trying to move forward. However, within these challenges is a testimony of courage, the pride of rising above stereotypes, and a refusal to give in to systems that seek to limit, define, and deny. A testimony of overcoming a history steeped in exclusion, and the profound joy of forging connections with others who share the load. These are what one should expect on the other side of the “narrow gate.”
As Jesus made his way towards Jerusalem, he took the opportunity to inform the disciples that entry into the kingdom of God is not automatic, and even just being familiar with him was not enough. Entry requires effort, intentionality, discipline, humility, repentance, genuine sorrow over sin, and turning from it. All of these seem non-negotiable. Entry requires living a life shaped by a genuine relationship with God that makes us recognizable as bearers of hope, love, and faith – a progressive transformation into people recognizable as bearers of the nature of Christ. It is not so much as identity as it is authenticity. It is about the substance of who we are, not just what we claim to be. As I read the gospel today, I asked myself, “Would anyone know that I am a Christian if I never told them? Would anyone recognize that I am a person of faith? Is it enough to say “I believe” or “I am a Christian” while living as though that belief demands nothing? Jesus seems to be telling me today that I cannot fake my way through the gate leading to the kingdom of God. The narrow gate is not just about a destination. It is about the journey that shapes our hearts and the choices that define who we are becoming. It has always been an invitation into an intimate relationship with God who knows us very well.
Lord, help us strive forward with commitment and perseverance, not out of fear, but out of a deep love for Christ and a desire to dwell in God’s presence.
Vivian Amu
I am an alumna of Creighton University. My Jesuit education has taught me to live a more reflective life and find God in every moment. I am originally from Nigeria, West Africa. Currently, I live in the heart of the Midwest in the United States. I consider myself a lifelong learner. I enjoy cooking, watching movies and baking shows. I love reading a good mystery novel. I have read all books written by Agatha Christie and all books in the Sherlock Holmes series. I enjoyed every one of them.
I enjoy writing because it feels like free falling with trust into the arms of God. I find freedom, life, and beauty in praying with poems and scripture. I also contribute to the Living Faith devotionals and feel a lot of gratitude for the opportunity to be a contributor to the Creighton University online ministry reflection webpage.
