Our Gospel today provides us with an intriguing image-the image of a narrow gate! How many narrow gates do we meet in the course of a single day, whether they be the doors into buses, the entrances to street markets, lined with stalls and crammed with people, or perhaps even the doorways into our own apartments. Over the course of a lifetime we have faced countless narrow gates whether they are in the form of the college entrance examinations, employment applications, or entry into particular social circles that we wish to enter. It seems our road often leads us through narrow gates of one kind or another, sometimes causing us frustration, but other times leading us to success and happiness. Indeed, it seems that rather than choosing the broad highways, we are all competing to line up in front of narrow gates, hoping that eventually we will be allowed to pass through to reach our desired goals.

The spiritual life is no exception - it too has a narrow gate, but in this case, you won't find much competition if you try to enter. In fact, you might even feel a bit lonely as you stand at the threshold, peering through the gate to see what might be on the other side. You won't, however, be able to see very much - only those who enter will discover the reward to be found on the other side. As is the case with most narrow gates, there's a treasure to be found by those who have the patience and fortitude to succeed in crossing the threshold.