THE NARROW DOOR

HOMILY FOR THE 21^ST SUNDAY OF THE ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Rev. Fr. Ezekoka Peter Onyekachi

♫♫ I have decided to follow Jesus, (3x.); no turning back (2x). Though none go with me, I still will follow (3x); no turning back. (2x) ♫♫ In the Gospel (Luke 13:22-30), Jesus speaks of salvation as struggling to enter through the narrow door. It is hardly a compliment to say that a person has a narrow mind, for it suggests the small vision of one who cannot see anything good beyond the scope of his/her own prejudices. Yet, it offers a great sense of worth to say that one has a narrowed vision, for it suggests a singularity of purpose and striving after that singular purpose. Hence, the image of the narrow door far from giving the impression of having a small vision for heaven reminds us of the importance to narrow our vision in pursuit of salvation.

On his way to Jerusalem, someone had asked Jesus a question concerning the number of people that will be saved. Jesus’ answer in turn suggested that he should not worry himself about the number of people that would be saved; he should rather strive to be among them. “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you will try to enter and will not be able.” This makes it clear that salvation is for those who would succeed in passing through the narrow door. But, why would some not be able to? The answer to this question and the image of the narrow door bring forth a ripple of connected implications.

1. It demands a clear sense of purpose. The way to salvation is very specific. It is the only way. And that way is Christ; I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me (John 14:6). The way to salvation is straight; it is not crooked in direction or purpose. Salvation is like a spiritual race; the one who has the chance of winning is the one who is ever focused on the goal. The clear sense of the purpose of this race is to win the imperishable crown of glory. This purpose demands discipline. Our lives as Christians would wander when we live without this clarity of purpose. So, as followers of Christ, we focus on the bigger picture of the imperishable crown of glory.

2. It demands a high sense of discipline. The way to salvation demands a high level of struggle. A person has to make a great deal of effort. The kingdom of God is never automatic but a result of a striving. The Biblical word used for this effort is agonizesthe, which is where the English word agony is derived. The word is likened to the Grecian games where in the participants in their races, wrestlings and various athletic exercises put forth all their powers to gain the victory. Due to its toughness, they were trained for the conflict, and the honour of victory was one of the highest honours among the people. By the use of this term then, Jesus says that beyond making it our chief purpose to overcome our weaknesses, the endeavour to enter heaven requires toughness. This struggle is so intense that it can be described as an agony. It implies to labour fervently and to devote oneself wholeheartedly to its course.

However, this idea might give the impression that salvation is only got through personal struggle. No, it is not. What agony or struggle here implies is that a person diligently seeks God in everything; for this is what the Lord says to the house of Israel: seek me and live (cf. Amos 5:4). That ‘many would seek to enter but would not be able to’ suggests that only few would be ready to pay the prize of self-denial and discipline. The Second Reading (Letter to the Hebrews 12: 5-7.11-13) exhorts Christians never to disregard the discipline of the Lord, for such is a sign of God’s love. This discipline tends towards healing; and of course, the eternal healing is salvation.

3. It demands a great deal of responsibility. It might be easy to think that once commitment is made to Christ, the Christian might feel the sense of arrival which can better be described as a false sense of arrival. Barclay W. talks about an inscription on the grave of an Alpine guide who died on the mountain-side: ‘He died climbing.’ Is it not true then that the journey of the Christian faith is like climbing the mountain and making a constant onward movement? Yes, the race is an up-hill task; always moving upward. We die climbing up. There should be no static time. The Christian is always on the move. Commitment to Christ imposes great responsibilities to know that our effort and fidelity to our calling is indispensable for salvation. ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets’ sounds like the argument of the one who took the Christian call towards responsibility for granted. Why do you call me Lord Lord and do not do what I say? (Luke 6:46).

Salvation then is not meant for a selected few but open to all who are ready to persevere. Indeed, and as Christ says: there will be surprises in the kingdom of God; the first will be last and the last will be first. This surprises arise when we neglect these demands of salvation. Salvation is not guaranteed for any particular group. The Prophet Isaiah in the First Reading (Is. 66:18-21) talks about salvation in terms of all: they shall bring all the brethren from all the nations. Unlike the Jews who thought that being born a Jew and being circumcised gave a person a ticket for salvation, the saved would come from all nations and classes of society. This would imply that no group has the monopoly of salvation. Salvation is for all who strive after it.  

There is a story of a wealthy woman who had passed on, and on arrival in heaven, an angel was sent to take her to her heavenly mansion. They passed through many lovely mansions and the woman thought that each one as they came to it must be the one meant for her. Now, having passed through many streets, they came to the outskirts where the houses were much smaller; and on the very fringe, they finally arrived at a house which was little more than a hut. That is your house, said the angel. What’s this, asked the woman, I cannot live in that? The angel replied: I am sorry, but that is all we could build for you with the materials you sent up. And she was disappointed with herself. She discovered that her heavenly residence was incomparable with her earthly mansion. Learning from the experience of this woman brings to our consciousness the importance of making a continuous effort to build and furnish our heavenly mansions. And as we do this, we  pray to always find the needed support and strength to move on and never to give up. Amen. God bless you.