The Narrow Gate – Reflection on Matthew 7:6, 12-14
Since my youth, whenever disturbances come at me from all sides, I seek the quiet of the woods. God’s grandeur and Christ’s love surround me. Rocks and roots in front of my feet have the invitation to uncross, and the internal turmoil dissipates. At some point in the walk, it becomes time to find a hidden room to pray. I leave the worn forest trails to walk without leaving a trace deeper into the woods outside of path boundaries. Christ blazes a traceless new trail beyond my usual desire for complete control. Firmly on holy ground, the narrow gate opens to intense beauty, like dew on spider webs behaving like strings of pearls. Another battle won, Trinity fills me with serenity, peace, love, and joy for others.
Jesus Discourses with His Disciples by James Tissot (full resolution).
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Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 7:6,12-14 – Scripture*
Profaning the Holy
6 “Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you.
The Golden Rule
12 “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.
The Narrow Gate
13 “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. 14 For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 7:6, 12-14 Reflection – The Narrow Gate.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Matthew 7 passage.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: The Narrow Gate
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