Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, "Lord, will only a few people be saved?" He answered them, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough."
If God created man and woman in his image and likeness, then we should not be surprised is earth was created in the image and likeness of heaven and hell.
Locked doors. God is constantly inviting us to be one with Him in mind, body, heart and soul. Are you with Him? Are you on board? Or are you still missing the point of life? Has the ship set sail without you? I'm not always on board. That's when the door gets slammed in my face! I know all too well that painful and horrible feeling of being "locked out" from God's grace. And only because of my refusal to follow along with His plan, His mission, His Will.
God has given us a certain amount of time to get things done before we are "locked out" forever. But beware, for the doors begin to close here on earth.
Salvation is one of them.
Do you realize that life is for you? Have you come to appreciate the life you have? If not, then start now, for time is running out.
Again, we have all experienced that nasty feeling of being locked out: that day when I could have asked a girl to the prom, but didn't; that day when I should have made that phone call, but didn't; that day when I should have turned the other cheek, but didn't; that day when I should have held my spouses hand or embraced them in bed, but didn't; that day when I should have apologized, or tried harder, or not given up so easily.
Yesterday, I celebrated a couple's 50th anniversary of marriage. It was a beautiful occasion and a wonderful reminder that I was made for life and love!
Fifty years is a long time, and not an easy time at all. I know for a fact this couple went through some rough times. I know for a fact they got through them, together. During my homily I noticed that they weren't holding each other's hands, so I immediately told them to do it. It was a great moment for me to remind all the other couples in attendance that they should never take anyone for granted, not even their spouse. We all know that one of the biggest threats to married life is a product of married life; that is, a false sense of security and stability; that things will never change; that my spouse will be forever by my side.
How in the world could I not hold my spouse's hand while they are next to me???
The Lord is constantly reminding me that everything is for me: that life is for me; that the day is for me; that love is for me.
Kiss the one you love, before its too late; before the door gets slammed in your face! Hug your friend, before it's too late. Wake up with the other in your arms, before it's too late. Do you really think that you will be able to do so forever?
"So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees" (Heb. 12:11-13).
Yes, life is for you! The stars are for you! The moon is for you! This evening is for you! Love is for you! Your spouse is for you! Salvation is for you!
Even your enemies are for you!
Take them! Accept them! Embrace them! Be grateful for them..."before the Master of the house rises and locks the door."
Lord, open the door for us! Not so fast, says the Lord. What took you so long? Was fidelity, forgiveness, compassion and love not exciting enough for you? Were they not fast enough for you? Were they not good enough for you?
"The first shall be last and the last shall be first," says the Lord.
If you haven't gone through any tough times lately, then consider this a curse and a precursor to disaster. Tough times help us to grow up, to mature. Enemies help us to unite. Tough times help us to appreciate the good times; to appreciate time in general.
"My son and daughter, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciples; he scourges every son he acknowledges. Endure your trials as "discipline"; God treats you as sons and daughters...At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it" (Heb. 12:5-7).
It's time to get to work. After all, time was made for me: not too fast, not too slow, but just right, and with just the right amount of it as well...for those who never take it for granted.
Great meditation Fr. Thank you!
ReplyDelete"Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough."
ReplyDeleteIs it true that “many will not be strong enough” means that they do not have enough of a loving heart as they journeyed to the end of their life, with all the obstacles life brings? I once heard a story: ‘We were all kicked out of the Garden of Eden, landed on earth (as you said – heaven and hell) and we are given opportunities to turn into Love until we reach the Heavenly Jerusalem. Even though they are the same place, it’s the journey that transforms us into Love if we chose.’ Just wondering your thoughts.
As the Church Fathers said “God became man so that man could become God (Love).”
Sweet story about the 50th anniversary. I am so very guilty about taking people for granted. I saw a new mom with her baby the other day. Even though I know she’s heard it a thousand times already, I had to tell her. “Cherish these moments; they go by so fast.” As I was walking away I thought, but wait a minute…. Every moment is to be cherished! I just take it for granted.
Mary