Today's Gospel reading spells out what is required for one to enter the Kingdom of God.Jesus tells us that the only door to the Kingdom is a narrow one. We need to work hard and struggle to get in. Yet, we know Jesus will be at the door to welcome those who enter it by self-discipline and self-denial in order to be able to get through the narrow door.

This depends very much on our relationship with Jesus.A mere superficial relationship is not a guarantee for entry.One specific way is that we have to use our God-given talents for others so that we can be included and qualified to enter the Kingdom.

A good example is: those who participated in the Olympicsknow that they have to work hard through self-discipline and persistent efforts to be qualified for the event and to do well too.

Paul's letter to the Romans confirms that in all things, God works for the good of those who love God and who have been called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28). Can we say that we belong to this group of disciples or otherwise?

We need to be aware that "the words of the Lord are flawless like silver refined in a furnace of clay...". We have to take heed of this if we desire to enter the Kingdom of God.