Jun 21: Choose the Narrow Gate

Christoph Weigel: The Wide and Narrow Gates
Biblia ectypa: Bildnussen auss Heiliger Schrifft Alt und Neuen Testaments, 1695

Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, religious

Gospel: Mt 7:6, 12-14

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it (NRSV, Mt 7:13).”

Father, as we stand poised in every moment to direct our lives into the future, there are so many choices, some merely attractive but of little value but others that are noble and of great worth. Jesus, tells us that there is only one choice that really matters: You, Father, and your coming kingdom. Choose first the kingdom of God, Jesus says, and then order all other concerns under that primary goal which alone gives a share in divine life and imparts true value and meaning to everything.

Help us, Father, in every situation to choose the gate that leads to you, the narrow gate that opens wide to embrace all of reality and gives true significance to it all.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.