Daily Gospel Reflection for June 27, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 7:6, 12-14

As I read online commentaries for today’s Gospel, I prayed for the wisdom and strength to enter through the narrow gate. And then, an ad for a cruise line popped up featuring a tanned blonde resting on a lounge chair, basking in the sun, holding a margarita–with gentle waves in the background. Tempting.

The wide gate tempts us with the promise of life’s pleasures while the narrow gate doesn’t sound much like Margaritaville!

There’s nothing wrong with a cruise for needed rest and relaxation. But the more we seek pleasure or give into temptation, the harder it becomes to squeeze through the narrow gate. We’re tempted by just one more drink, one more party, one more bet, one more video. Soon we’re rushing with the crowd through the wide gate, which leads to addiction and depression—destruction.

But God calls us to more—to choose the narrow gate.

The narrow gate is tight, but it’s the only path to eternal happiness. It means relying on our Lord and choosing to follow Him by swallowing our pride, stuffing our criticism, forgiving our neighbor, refusing to brood over wrongdoings, giving until it hurts, loving our enemy, and “doing unto others whatever you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12)

The narrow gate is difficult, but it leads to joy!

When the Spirit nudges me to give my last twenty dollars to a young mom in need, I feel joy. When I forgive a wrong, I know peace. When I encourage others, I feel empowered. When I refuse to condemn, I experience love. The world tempts us to go our own way, but Jesus guides us to everlasting life.

Though the gate is narrow, its path is far more satisfying than any extra wide road to Margaritaville!

Ponder:

In my daily decisions, am I choosing to enter through the wide or narrow gate?

Pray:

Lord, give us the strength to choose the narrow gate. Show us the way to everlasting life!

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The narrow gate is difficult, but it leads to joy! #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Mary Pedersen