The Narrow Yet Large Gate

(Readings for the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time: Isaiah 66:18-21, Hebrews 12:5-7,11-13, Luke 13:22-30)

In today's readings, the mystery of the Kingdom of God is broken open and revealed to us. At first glance, what is said about life within God's Kingdom seems rather paradoxical.

Jesus speaks of the "narrow gate," that which leads to salvation in the Kingdom of God. Many will attempt to enter through this narrow gate on their own. They will be cast out. They will grind their teeth and plea for admittance. Few, if any, will make it on their own. When we walk through this narrow gate in isolation, the pathway to the Kingdom of God seems rather dismal!

However, in the same breath, Jesus also speaks of the Kingdom of God as a great banquet table populated by all peoples from the north, south, east, and west. Here, Jesus borrows imagery from the Prophet Isaiah. Everybody is seemingly welcome to dwell and dine at God's table in the Kingdom!

How can it be that few make it through the narrow gate yet many will recline at table in the Kingdom of God?

Perhaps our readings for this Sunday are a good reminder yet again of our radical dependence on Jesus. Those who trust only in themselves have severed their relationship with the Lord. They will not make it through the narrow gate. It is only when we put our trust in Jesus will we be able to enter the Kingdom. Only Jesus can perfect us. Jesus is the only way into the Kingdom.

In God's Kingdom, God's reign of justice, mercy, and generosity will be on full display. All those from the north, south, east, and west - those who have no claim to the table of God - will be present. Those who otherwise would never have had a chance of making it through the narrow gate will be at table. All of us are called to strive for the narrow way, even though we might falter. The Kingdom has been offered to us! This can only be possible with and through Jesus.

And suddenly, we will realize that the gate, while at once narrow, is large enough to encompass the whole world.

Post-Pilgrimage Reflections

Even though I've been home from Poland for more than a week, I am still unpacking all the wonderful experiences of this sacred pilgrimage.
There are really three personal moments that I continue to revisit in my heart:

1.) I hold onto that feeling of joy and peace experienced during the opening mass for World Youth Day in Krakow's Blonia Park. That was the first time during the pilgrimage in which I realized the 'catholic' nature of the Church. Every continent was represented. Diverse faces, flags, and languages created a mosaic of unity within the park. All came together to celebrate our common faith in Christ. The opening mass was a transcendent moment for me, a moment that is difficult still to put into words. All I could do was silently thank God for the beauty of life, creation, my fellow pilgrims, and the gift of the Eucharist.

Pilgrims from the Diocese of Scranton at Blonia Park, Krakow

2.) Later in the week, after the concluding mass with the pope, we were required to walk eight-miles from the park back to our hotel. Nearly two-million pilgrims slowly trudged out of the park and onto the streets under the sweltering sun. At this point, I lost my patience. I broke away from my fellow pilgrims and made the long walk back by myself. Yet, by the fourth mile, I realized just how alone I was and how I had greatly misunderstood the true purpose of pilgrimage. We are made to journey together, never in isolation. All of life is a pilgrimage. It is better to walk with another in order to experience the struggles and joys of life together. This was an invaluable lesson for me to learn.

The way of the pilgrim...

3.) Finally, I was quite surprised to find just how moved I was while praying at the grave of Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko who was murdered by the communist secret police in 1984. I wonder - did this parish priest ever imagine that he would become the spiritual voice opposing communism by standing up for human rights? Despite the tyrannical practices of the communists in Poland, this man of peace never advocated violence. Blessed Jerzy has become an example and role model for me of selfless ministry rooted in justice, peace, solidarity, and mercy.

Praying at the grave of Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko

These are some of the experiences I reflect upon in gratitude. I can only hope that I remain open to whatever else God's Spirit desires to share with me as I continue to unpack this holy pilgrimage.