Narrow

Step #1: Lectio / Read

Click the link below or open your Bible to the passage and read through the reading at least once, paying attention to what is happening in the text.

Matthew 7:6, 12-14

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​Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

Its pretty hard to read todays gospel without thinking of Robert Frost’s famous poem The Road Not Taken, where he writes, "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.”

Our life presents us with two clear paths. The first in which is the one we see daily where what is valued is beauty, money, the fastest route, the comfortable way, the convenient method, etc. Everything we see is to make life easier. I was thinking about this while using a public restroom the other day and I did not touch a thing, the door, soap, water, towel were all automatic. Now I’m not bashing the bathroom system, because it is quite helpful. The point is that we get so programed to look for the easier and more comfortable way. Pope Benedict said, “The world promises you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” Can I get an “Amen”?

Robert Frost, Pope Benedict, and above all Jesus are all trying to convene the old yet infinitely prevalent message that there is another way, there is a hidden path that far too many forget or just don’t care. So first you need to ask yourself… do I want to be a saint? Do I want salvation? If this is what you want then it takes getting a little uncomfortable and being quite unconventional. There is no such thing as a saint who took the easy way and lived an average life. What makes them exceptional is the radical ways in which they followed Jesus. They followed Jesus down, around, and up the road less chosen.

In today’s gospel Christ tells us, "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.” These are touch words, “those who find it are few”. I pray today that you have the courage and conviction to be “the few”; to walk fearlessly down the narrow path. Jesus says that the wide gate leads to destruction but the narrow path lead to life. Not just eternal life, but life today and tomorrow. There is an usual joy we see in the lives of the saints that comes not from anything of this world but from Jesus himself, whom wants us to be with him now and forever. I encourage you today to take a look at your life, at what you do each day, at what you have done today… what path are you on? And remember, it is never too late to follow Jesus and to change your direction. Our God is a God of mercy. He is the Good Shepherd and will lead us his sheep to all that is good. ​

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Step #3: Oratio / Pray

These questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today.

Reflect on the last week. When did you choose the wide path with everyone? When did you follow Jesus and choose the narrow way?

Why is the narrow way the better way? Where is God calling you? 

 Look at your life, at what you do each day, at what you have done today… what path are you on?

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Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.

"I was made for greatness."

​"How narrow is the gate."

​"God leads us to all that is good."

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​Step #5: Actio / Act

In light of today's reading and your time spent in prayer with the Lord, what concrete action or actions will you take to let this encounter with the Lord bear fruit in you today?

Go look up a saint you do not know much about. How did they follow the narrow way? How can you follow the narrow way today? 

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Smartphone Lock Screen

The following image is here for you to save and use as a background or lock screen on your smartphone or device to help you carry today's Lectio Divina with you the rest of the day.

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Today's prayer was prepared by Jen Mason, the LifeTeen Mission Trip Coordinator for group missions to Haiti.