Jesus highlights the constricted road and the narrow gate that those who follow him should pursue.

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.” (Mt 7:13-14)

In going after Jesus, one cuts oneself off from other possibilities, just as one does when journeying anywhere.  Yes, some routes and good possibilities are closed off, but others are opened up.  People pursue Jesus with a vision, with a singleness of mind and purpose.  We limit ourselves in some ways to open other ways. We seek the focused path and the fixed gate.

Some values highlight the importance of this more restricted path.  Attention demands narrowness of scope, to concentrate, to focus, not to simply wander aimlessly.  Decisiveness is narrow; decisions are singular and particular; they are matters of choice.  Loyalty is narrow; it bonds one to a particular direction ‑‑ an activity, a person, a job.  Jesus understood freedom; he refused to be shackled by certain traditions and rules.  But, he also lived his life with a singleness of purpose. Any determined person wants liberty, but he/she must also live within limits to accomplish anything worthwhile.

In the Old Testament, we see that the Jewish people did not consider the law that they had received as a burden.  No, they considered it as a gift given by God that pointed out for them the way in which they should live.  They write:  “What nation is as fortunate as we are; The Lord God has spoken to us and given us the law which helps us to remain close to him.”  They saw that the law was a gift from God.  Through it, God guided them in following him and becoming the best people they could become.  It was their half of the Covenantal Charter:  “I will be your God; and you shall be my people.”  The Lord told them clearly how they should live in becoming his people.

Note what Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount.  He has not come to do away with the law or any part of it but to perfect it.  We need to understand its application and its function.

Beatitudes are not means of holding us in bondage.  They are aids that keep us along the narrow path, that help us through the narrow gate.  They do not cut us off from life and experiences but keep our mind and hearts focused on the Lord and on how we can progress in personal holiness, in family support, and in service to our communities.

The analogy of a road for describing this way of life seems to be an apt one because a road provides a way that is traveled.  We know that the road that we travel will ultimately determine the destination at which we ultimately arrive.  The goal that we have is to establish God’s Kingdom on Earth; the road that we follow embraces the teaching of Jesus.

Our narrow path and the narrow gate offer us guidance through the Word of God (Jesus said “Heaven and earth will pass away but my Word will never pass away.”)  We are given direction, principles, and a way.  When we are confused and uncertain, they give support.

Let us seek the narrow path and enter through the narrow gate.  They lead to our eternal reward and companionship with the Lord. And, the Gospel offers us the best way forward.