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.