The question asked about how many will reach heaven is one we all struggle with. The reality that free will is honored even if we walk away from God is a hard thing to wrap our minds around. When I was younger, I used to think that the goal of my life was to hear the words from the Gospel, “Well done good and faithful servant”. As I have grown older, I realize how very prideful that ambition was.

In our Gospel, Christ says many strive for the narrow gate. But I think the key is that while we still strive for the perfection that God asks of us, we rely not on our actions but on God’s grace. We may enter the narrow gate, but the only thing that gets us there is being purchased by Jesus’ Passion on the Cross.

Granted, we still strive for holiness; we still bathe ourselves in the graces of the sacraments. Salvation is relying on God daily, bringing our hearts to Him in prayer that the second half of the Gospel this weekend seems distant to our hearts. I worry that some may say to God at the end of their lives on earth, “But we came to Mass, but we went to Catholic school…” those actions do not make a relationship with God. It has to be personal; it has to begin with your heart, not your actions.

To know God, not know about Him, that is the narrow gate.

May the Love, Peace and Grace of God be with you,

Fr. Adam