The Narrow Gate


THE NARROW GATE

Mario D’Couto

            Why could not Jesus choose an easy path to redeem us rather than go through a horrendous torture and excruciating pain on the cross. After all, He is God and it was definitely within His power to make things happen. But He didn’t. Why? Had not Jesus taken our nature (except for sin), we would not be able to understand Him.

            Every event and moment has a role to play in our lives. Nothing is a matter of chance. One thing interesting about life is that the nature of our problems are different. With different problems come different expectations and solutions. This is precisely because we are all different. Have you ever come across a person who did not long to live a life where there are no problems? I’m sure we would all love to have that. But perhaps, let me ask another question, “What would life be like without problems?” We would never be able to realize our potential.

            Suffering and pain has its place. It is like saying that we would never know how strong we are until we have tried to lift something heavy. Suffering and pain is an indication that we all need the grace of God. When we realize how broken and vulnerable we are, we turn and must turn to God. People who have everything easy going for them don’t feel the need for God. Thus when our Blessed Lord exhorts us to take up our cross and follow the narrow gate, He is telling us not to pray and ask for an easy life but for the strength to endure the pain and the agony of daily living.

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