Posted by The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Gil Alejandria SVD – Catholic Trade Manila
Wednesday 30th Week in Ordinary Time
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate…” This is a reminder that in order to attain something, we must be ready to endure hardships and make sacrifices. The worth of something is sometimes measured by the effort we have made in order to attain it. Things achieved through shortcuts or cheating may eventually be detrimental or of no value.
This reminder applies especially to students, workers, and parents. A student must really work hard to attain success. A worker or employee appreciates more the value of money when it is the fruit of hard work. Parents are always ready to make sacrifices for the benefit of their loved ones.
Likewise, attaining the Kingdom of God demands of us a readiness to endure hardships and make sacrifices. In different situations we would be expected to behave as our faith demands.
In a work place, a Christian would be honest even if others are not, if others cannot or will not be honest. Sometimes it would result in being ridiculed by others (“you are stupid not to take the bribe, all the others are taking it”), and being subjected to social pressure.
We are also inspired by stories of taxi drivers and airport janitors who return substantial amounts of cash left behind by passengers. They overcame the temptation of keeping money to themselves to take care of their daily needs.
One such janitor replied when he was interviewed that he preferred sleeping with a clear conscience at night knowing that he did the right thing, and thus maintaining his integrity, knowing he would be pleasing in God’s eyes.
Truly, the kingdom is deserved by people like him who overcame temptations and showed the ability to endure hardships “to enter through the narrow gate.”
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